Who Owns Chili’s?
Brinker International, a Dallas based public company that also owns Maggiano’s Little Italy. Chili’s started as a single burger joint in Dallas in 1975 and has belonged to Brinker since the early 1980s.
From one burger joint to Brinker
Larry Lavine opened the first Chili’s in a converted post office on Greenville Avenue in Dallas in 1975. It was a casual burger spot with a chili pepper logo. Restaurant entrepreneur Norman Brinker bought the small chain in 1983, grew it rapidly and eventually renamed the parent company after himself.
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Larry Lavine opens the first Chili’s in Dallas |
| 1983 | Norman Brinker buys Chili’s and starts expanding it nationally |
| 1991 | The parent company is renamed Brinker International |
| 2024 to 2026 | Value deals like 3 for Me and the Big Smasher drive a strong sales comeback |
What else Brinker owns
Brinker has owned several restaurant brands over the years, including On The Border, Macaroni Grill and Corner Bakery, but it sold those off. Today its two brands are Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy, and Chili’s makes up the vast majority of the company’s sales.
Is Chili’s a franchise?
Partly. Brinker operates most US Chili’s restaurants itself, while franchisees run the rest, including most international locations. See 3 for Me, fajita, rib and dessert prices on the Chili’s menu.
Related Questions
What company owns Chili’s?
Brinker International, a Dallas based public company that also owns Maggiano’s Little Italy.
Is Chili’s publicly traded?
Its parent, Brinker International, trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker EAT.
Who founded Chili’s?
Larry Lavine opened the first Chili’s in Dallas in 1975. Norman Brinker bought the chain in 1983.
Does Brinker own other restaurants?
Yes. Brinker also owns Maggiano’s Little Italy. It previously owned brands such as On The Border and Macaroni Grill.
Is Chili’s a franchise?
Most US restaurants are company operated, with some franchised, and most international locations are franchised.
Where is Chili’s headquartered?
Dallas, Texas, where the first restaurant opened.
More on Chili’s
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Chili’s or Brinker International. Company details come from public sources. See current prices on the Chili’s menu.
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