Cava wants to give general managers an owner-operator mentality
Salmon will stay on the menu into spring at Cava. | Photo courtesy of Cava
Chili's is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 199 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. * Chili's sales have grown 52% over three years, driven by strong marketing and menu innovation, with traffic growth accounting for 28% of the increase [[2026-10-29 Chili’s sales are up 52% over 3 years. Here’s how it’s serving diners. (25944d)]]. * Brinker International's Chili's brand reported a 10.1% jump in same-store sales for its first earnings period of fiscal 2027, marking 22 consecutive quarters of growth [[2026-10-28 Brinker’s 2027 off to a strong start as Chili’s compounds same-store sales growt (4d3030)]]. * Chili's is investing in labor and equipment to manage the surge in visitors [[2026-10-29 Chili’s sales are up 52% over 3 years. Here’s how it’s serving diners. (25944d)]]. * Brinker International plans to open 20-30 new Chili's locations annually through 2029, following a five-year sales turnaround [[2026-09-22 Chili's Plans 30 New Locations a Year Through 2029 (54f298)]]. * Chili's has achieved a 71% five-year increase in same-store sales and is now targeting 2% to 3% new unit growth per year [[2026-09-18 Why Chili’s is ready to open new stores (27983f)]]. * The company has identified significant whitespace for development, particularly in underpenetrated markets and areas with growing populations [[2026-09-18 Why Chili’s is ready to open new stores (27983f)]]. * Chili's has announced a $150 million commitment to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, building on a 24-year partnership that has raised over $130 million [[2026-09-08 Chili's® Announces Historic $150 Million Commitment to St. Jude Children's Resea (12a428)]]. * Chili's is using its 'Better Than Fast Food' strategy to target major fast-food categories, with Mexican QSR potentially the next frontier [[2026-09-17 Chili’s is taking on the fast-food giants, and Taco Bell could be next (bd4f51)]]. * Chili's has introduced the new Chicken Parm Big Crispy sandwich, combining the Big Crispy chicken sandwich and Fried Mozzarella [[2026-10-13 Chili's® Builds on its Big Crispy® Chicken Sandwich Momentum with the New Chicke (9aafa8)]]. * Chili's is launching a new merchandise line called the Suburban Collection, which celebrates suburban style with relaxed and comfort-first fits [[2026-09-29 Chili’s® Turns Decades of Defining Suburb Culture Into Style With the “Suburban (8b9b61)]]. * Better Wi-Fi has helped fuel Chili's comeback, with plans to invest in AI to make managers' jobs easier [[2026-10-02 How better Wi-Fi helped fuel Chili’s comeback (42f635)]]. * Brinker International outlined its growth strategy and long-term targets at its investor day, aiming for 4% to 6% annual revenue growth and double-digit annual percent growth in net income per diluted share [[2026-09-17 Brinker International Outlines Growth Strategy and Long-Term Targets at Filed under Restaurants / Casual dining.
Salmon will stay on the menu into spring at Cava. | Photo courtesy of Cava

Chili’s sold nearly 30 million Margaritas in 2025, and the chain is poised to sell even more in 2026, driven by its popular frozen drinks.

Chili's sales grow 52% over three years with new initiatives

Brinker International reports a 10.1% jump in same-store sales for Chili's, marking 22 consecutive quarters of growth driven by increased guest traffic.
DALLAS, Oct. 28, 2026 // PRNewswire // -- Brinker International, Inc.

The brand’s strong managerial retention, social media marketing and menu innovation drove a strong quarter.

Ramsess Salazar started with Sweetgreen at the restaurant manager level in 2018.

The weather is turning a bit colder across the country, and restaurant chains are warming up their menus to get ready for winter.
Chili's introduces Chicken Parm Big Crispy sandwich in 3 cities.

Yard House is a $1 billion brand with double-digit sales growth.
On average, consumers today spend $100 per week on restaurants, an improvement from earlier this year, but still trailing June 2025 by $15.

Chris Caldwell became CIO of Brinker International in 2024, just as Brinker-owned Chili’s was beginning to mount its remarkable comeback.
"Streetwear has dominated mainstream fashion for years, but now we're starting to see suburban wear have its moment as more consumers are drawn to relaxed, comfort-first fits," said Jesse Johnson, vice president of marketing at Chili's.

Chili's plans to open 20-30 new locations annually through 2029

The Italian brand only accounts for 3% of Brinker’s profits, but a focus on portion size and speed of service could help it grow sales, CEO Kevin Hochman said.

Chili’s sales success over the last few years — driven by value and operational investments — have transformed the chain’s unit economics, with a 71% five-year increase in same-store sales, executives said at Brinker Int

Chili's targets McDonald's and possibly Taco Bell with new strategy

Urban Bird Hot Chicken has grown by serving Nashville-style hot chicken, but the brand's growth strategy goes well beyond its core menu.
Over the past four years, Brinker International has worked to transform Chili's into a stronger business that delivers an exceptional experience for guests, makes it easier and more rewarding for…

The O-M-Cheese Burger hit on consumer preferences for cheese, affordability and a fun experience, leading to an expanded lineup.

Dave & Buster's CEO Darin Harper discusses execution and sales challenges

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Lucy Brady joins the beverage brand as its parent company reshuffles other positions in its C-suite.