Loyal patrons of the American casual dining giant Chili's are mounting a campaign to bring back a cherished menu item that vanished two years ago. The chain's decision to discontinue its classic nachos in 2022 continues to provoke dismay and disbelief among its customer base.
A Menu Staple Lost: The Nacho Uproar
In a series of heartfelt online posts, fans of the Texas-based restaurant have voiced their frustration and sadness over the removal of the classic nachos. The appetiser, which cost around $13, was a fixture on the menu, featuring a generous pile of tortilla chips loaded with refried beans, melted cheese, a choice of beef or chicken, and pickled jalapeños, all served with skillet queso. Sides of pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole completed the dish.
Despite being cut from menus nationwide in 2022, diners report they are still being caught off guard by its absence. One Reddit user recounted taking his adult sons to Chili's over the recent holiday period, only to make the disappointing discovery. "We opened the menu and it was like a bomb went off — a gut punch reinforced by the bartender telling us these culinary marvels were no longer available," he joked in December.
The sentiment is echoed by another user, whose online username itself pays tribute to the dish. They described feeling "devastated" by the decision, writing, "It was my favourite thing to get at Chili's. I've been loving them since I was a little girl and just can't believe they're gone."
New Offerings Fail to Impress
This is not the first time Chili's menu revisions have caused a stir. In October, the chain introduced a new $10.99 southwestern queso and chips across all its US locations. The reception from customers, however, has been lukewarm at best.
Critics have compared the new offering unfavourably to supermarket-bought dips, with one customer bluntly stating on Reddit, "Literally tastes like the Tostitos jar you buy at the grocery store. But somehow, it's worse." The parent company, Brinker International, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the customer feedback regarding the nachos.
Contrasting Fortunes: Customer Grievances vs. Financial Success
Interestingly, this customer discontent over specific menu items exists alongside a period of significant financial growth for the chain. Famous for its baby back ribs and frozen margaritas, Chili's has been a standout performer in a struggling restaurant sector.
The company raked in $1.35 billion in revenue in its last quarter, marking an impressive 18.5 percent increase from the previous year. This extends an enviable run of four and a half years of consecutive quarterly growth.
Analysts attribute this success to a strategic focus on value. While many competitors have struggled with customers cutting back on dining out, Chili's has aggressively slashed prices and launched a savvy TikTok marketing campaign. Key offers include $6 margaritas and the $10.99 'Big Smasher' burger, which the chain claims contains twice the beef of a McDonald's Big Mac.
CEO Kevin Hochman told investors in August, "It's clear we have a winning product... Those who believe our success was driven solely from a cheese pull and social media are just not close enough to our story." He emphasised that the company's long-term growth stems from low prices and quality products.
This growth story contrasts sharply with other major chains like Burger King, Wendy's, and Chipotle, which have reported disappointing sales or missed Wall Street expectations. For now, Chili's appears to be winning the value war, even as a segment of its most loyal customers mourn the loss of a cheesy, beloved classic.
