
Global Franchising News from International Trade Expert Bill Edwards, February 2026
We’ve selected highlights from Bill Edwards’ biweekly Global Business Newsletter (#152, February 3, 2026).
Chili's is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 200 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.

We’ve selected highlights from Bill Edwards’ biweekly Global Business Newsletter (#152, February 3, 2026).
Chili's launches Margarita of the Month Club with free membership.
Chili's delivered another strong quarter with industry-leading growth of +9%, rolling the industry-leading growth from last year for a 2-year comp sales growth of +43%, said Kevin Hochman, President & CEO of Brinker International.

We’ve selected highlights from Bill Edwards’ biweekly Global Business Newsletter (#147, November 11, 2025).
Brinker International, Inc announced its financial results for the first quarter ended September 24, 2025.
Chili's Grill & Bar is introducing a new Southwestern Queso, a must-try for queso fans everywhere.
What started as a simple cheese pull turned into a social media sensation.

Newk’s Eatery has nearly 100 units across the US, with a $2.4 million average unit volume and operational support for franchisees.
Supporting lifesaving efforts during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month has never been more colorful or creative as Chili's Grill & Bar announces the return of its annual Create-A-Pepper program – continuing…
DALLAS, July 22, 2025 // PRNewswire // -- Chili's® Grill & Bar is partnering with fellow Texas-born brand Tecovas to launch limited-edition Booth Boots, handcrafted cowboy boots made with the…
DALLAS, June 25, 2025 // PRNewswire // -- Chili's® Grill & Bar is raising the bar with three new, premium frozen choices.
Chili's adds Big QP Burger to 3 For Me menu
DALLAS, March 26, 2025 // PRNewswire // -- Nearly 20 years after cementing a spot in pop culture history thanks to a beloved group of employees at a fictitious Pennsylvania paper company, Chili's® Grill & Bar is opening
RNR Tire Express promotes Susan Vice to VP of Finance.

Todd Jackson, a Newk's franchisee, has grown his portfolio to 11 locations across the country.

Bill Edwards shares global franchising news in February 2025 newsletter
As the margarita experts, National Margarita Day is the most important holiday of the year at Chili's, but we were all surprised that no feel-good stories have been made around…
Chili's Grill & Bar is shifting into high gear for the 2025 NASCAR season with the launch of its new 'Ride the Dente' campaign.

The restaurant group is leveraging significant traffic growth at Chili's to accelerate back-of-house kitchen investments and equipment upgrades.
Inspired by the Triple Dipper's iconic cheese pulls, perfectly smashed burger bites and sauced Chicken Crispers®, Chili's is unveiling a limited-edition holiday line for fans to wrap themselves in the bold flavors they love.

Exceptional customer service is a key factor in a franchise's success, creating a lasting impression and fostering customer loyalty.

Chili’s has worked its way back into the minds of consumers and influencers.
Beans & Brews Coffeehouse is excited to announce Doug Willmarth as the company's Chief Executive Officer.
Chili's Grill & Bar wants you to skip the drive-thru with the introduction of its new 3 For Lunch Combos.