Huge fast food chain that disappeared from UK in 2009 plans major return | UK | News
The American fast food chain, which closed its last branch in England 17 years ago, is planning to return to England. US Tex-Mex chain Chili’s Grill & Bar has confirmed plans to open a flagship location in the UK within the next 12 to 18 months, marking a new attempt to re-enter the market.
This won’t be his first presence here; The brand first expanded into the UK in the 1990s, operating nine restaurants in places including Cambridge, Reading and London’s Canary Wharf. However, by 2009 all these sites had closed and Chili’s had completely disappeared from the UK. The new launch signals a renewed push to build the brand after a gap of more than a decade.
Chili’s is planning a major return to the UK in a collaboration with The Franchising Centre, a partnership designed to help the brand re-establish itself after more than a decade. Metro reports.
As part of this strategy, the company is exploring the possibility of opening up to 100 restaurants in both major cities and suburban areas, signaling a much more ambitious launch than its previous presence in the UK.
John Overdijking, franchise recruiting expert at Franchise Center, recently told Propel Hospitality that they see ‘significant’ scale opportunities for Chili’s here and estimate they could have “85 to 100 restaurants nationwide.”
He said: “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).
“Over time, this creates the potential for compact urban areas, travel hubs and even non-traditional locations. But the initial focus will be more towards full service.”
Founded in Texas in 1975 by Larry Lavine and now owned and operated by Brinker International, Chilli’s is known not only for its Tex-Mex food, but also for its pop culture moment when the Dundies were awarded during the second season of the US version of The Office.
The menu reflects its Tex-Mex roots, offering everything from crispy chicken and loaded ribs to fajitas, burgers, salads, soups and, naturally, plenty of chili.
