Consumer
Chili’s Is Back to Growth and Is Looking to Expand Across the US
The dining chain is riding a wave of viral mozzarella sticks.
Chili’s, the once flailing casual-dining chain that has won Americans back with appetizer combos and mozzarella sticks that have gone viral, is coming to a town near you.
The company is getting back to building new restaurants and wants to grow beyond strongholds such as Florida, Texas and California, Kevin Hochman, chief executive officer of parent company Brinker International Inc., said in an interview. It’s now eyeing areas with few or no Chili’s, such as parts of the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.