The Opportunity
Why Chilis®, Why The UK, Why Now
Why Chili’s®
Across more than 1100 company operated locations, and 500+ franchise outlets, we’ve spent 50 years growing Chili’s® into a brand that people love. Our loyal customers, of course, but also our strategic partners across more than 31 different countries.
With 19 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, our recent performance has been described as “mythical” by FSR magazine, but there is nothing mysterious about our success.
Instead it is founded on experience, expertise, and a relentless focus on delivering a place that makes everyone feel special through a fun atmosphere, delicious food and drinks with amazing hospitality.
Behind Chili’s® sits Brinker International, one of the world’s most experienced casual dining operators, publicly listed on the NYSE with over five decades of multi-unit expertise and the infrastructure to support serious international growth.
We continue to drive innovation, strengthen our menu, and deliver the kind of value that keeps customers coming back for more.
That stability extends to our franchise network, too. Half of our franchise partners have been in the system for more than 15 years – a reflection of the strength of the model, the quality of our support infrastructure, and a brand momentum that makes this a serious, long-term proposition rather than simply a market entry point.
For high net worth investors and experienced operators, a Chili’s® Partnership represents a rare combination: the backing of an established international brand, the commercial upside of a first-mover in an untapped market, and a business that is genuinely scalable across a wide range of formats and locations.
Why the UK
Even more importantly, this is not a market that needs to be educated about American casual dining. UK consumers already understand it, actively seek it out, and spend money on it.
What the market is missing is a brand with Chili’s® combination of genuine personality, strong value positioning, and the operational sophistication which can allow it to rapidly scale. It occupies a position in the market which does not currently exist in the UK: a credible, experience-led, full-service restaurant brand that competes confidently on value without sacrificing quality or atmosphere. For the right partner, that represents a significant opportunity to take advantage of a gap in the market.
When Chili’s® has entered comparable markets, it has done so as a market-defining presence rather than a challenger. The UK represents a comparable scale of opportunity.
Why Now
Chili’s® is at the peak of its commercial momentum, and the UK market is ready for it.
After years of economic pressure, UK diners are not spending less, they are spending more carefully. They are increasingly interested in concepts which can deliver both a positive experience and genuine value for money, exactly the positioning which has already defined Chili’s® success across more than 1600 sites in more than 31 countries.
The market conditions are right, and the operational infrastructure and international support team are in place. All that remains is finding the right leaders to take the next step with us.
