An American fast food chain that closed its last UK restaurant 17 years ago is preparing to return to British shores. US Tex-Mex giant Chili's Grill & Bar has announced plans to open a flagship UK venue within the next 12 to 18 months, marking a renewed effort to succeed in the market.
This is not the brand's first venture in Britain. Chili's originally arrived in the UK during the 1990s, operating nine restaurants in locations such as Cambridge, Reading, and London's Canary Wharf. However, by 2009 all sites had closed, and the brand disappeared from the UK. The upcoming launch represents a determined attempt to re-establish itself after more than a decade away.
Partnership and Expansion Plans
Chili's is planning its UK comeback by partnering with The Franchising Centre. This collaboration is designed to help the chain rebuild its presence after years of absence from British high streets. As part of this bold strategy, the company is considering opening as many as 100 restaurants across major cities and suburban locations, representing a far more ambitious expansion than its previous UK venture.
John Overdijking, franchise recruitment specialist at The Franchising Centre, told Propel Hospitality that they see 'significant' scale opportunities for Chili's in the UK, estimating the firm could have '85 to 100 restaurants nationwide'. He explained: 'Chili's is best known for its full-service restaurants, but the brand has flexible formats, including full-service restaurants (3,000-3,500 square feet), standard casual dining (2,500-3,500 square feet) and fast-casual (1,500-2,500 square feet). This opens up potential for compact urban sites, travel hubs, and even non-traditional locations over time. However, its initial focus will lean more toward full-service.'
Brand History and Menu
Founded in Texas in 1975 by Larry Lavine and now owned and operated by Brinker International, Chili's is celebrated for its Tex-Mex cuisine. The restaurant also gained pop culture fame as the backdrop for the Dundies awards ceremony in season two of the American version of The Office. The menu stays true to its Tex-Mex heritage, offering crispy chicken, full racks of ribs, fajitas, burgers, salads, soups, and, of course, plenty of chilli.
