
Chili's Grill & Bar
Food & Beverage · Full-Service Restaurants
- Active units
- 99
Franchised, year-end 2025
About Chili's Grill & Bar
Chili's Grill & Bar is a renowned American casual dining restaurant chain that specializes in Tex-Mex cuisine. Founded in 1975 by Larry Lavine, Chili's has grown to become a global brand, with hundreds of locations in the United States and around the world. The company's headquarters is situated in Dallas, Texas, which also serves as its global command center. From this central location, Chili's manages its various operations, ensuring consistency and quality across all its restaurants. Chili's Grill & Bar is known for offering a wide range of mouthwatering dishes, including burgers, steaks, ribs, fajitas, and their famous Baby Back Ribs. Additionally, their menu features appetizers, salads, soups, and desserts, all prepared with a unique southwest-inspired twist. On a global scale, Chili's operates both company-owned and franchised locations spanning over 30 countries. The chain has successfully expanded through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with local companies, enabling them to adapt to regional preferences while maintaining their core menu. In terms of market position, Chili's Grill & Bar continues to be a popular choice among customers globally. With its extensive menu and casual atmosphere, the chain attracts a broad customer base, ranging from families and friends to business professionals. While facing competition from other casual dining chains, such as Applebee's and TGI Fridays, Chili's has maintained a solid market presence due to its brand recognition and consistent quality. Throughout its history, Chili's has undergone various changes and adaptations to meet evolving consumer demands. This includes updates to their menu offerings, such as introducing healthier options and catering to dietary restrictions. Additionally, the chain has embraced technology, allowing customers to order online and through mobile apps, enhancing convenience and customer experience. As of the latest information available, Chili's Grill & Bar continues to thrive as a leading casual dining brand. While the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the restaurant industry, Chili's has adapted by implementing safety measures and expanding their takeout and delivery services. With a strong global presence, a diverse menu, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Chili's Grill & Bar remains a beloved choice for those seeking a casual yet flavorful dining experience.
Key terms
- Footprint
4,800 – 5,200 sq ft
- Development Agreement – Initial Development Fee
Nonrefundable development fee; based on territory size, number of restaurants, demographics; determined before signing the Development Agreement.
Brand Percentile Rankings
Rankings compare brands in the same operating year. Fee and investment figures come from the FDD (2025 filing); filings on file: 2024, 2025.
Growth
- Total locations99
Franchised units open at year-end
- New openings3
Gross new units opened during the calendar year
- 1-year unit growth rate2.1%
Net unit growth versus prior year
- 3-year unit CAGR-1.0%
Compound annual growth rate of unit count over the trailing 3 years
- Unit growth ratio3.0×
Cumulative opens / closures through year-end
Unit economics
- Annual unit volume (Median)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (25th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- Annual unit volume (75th percentile)—
Per FDD Item 19 disclosure
- 1-year Median AUV growth rate—
Year-over-year change in median AUV
- Store-level EBITDA Margin—
Median unit-level EBITDA / AUV
Investment profile
- Estimated initial investment$5.2M
Midpoint of estimated initial investment range
↓ Lower is better - Time to open12 months
Midpoint of average time from agreement to opening
↓ Lower is better - Royalty rate—
Percent of net sales paid to the franchisor
- Sales-to-investment ratio—
Median AUV / estimated initial investment midpoint
- Cash-on-cash returns—
Median unit-level EBITDA / estimated initial investment midpoint. Steady-state estimate; year 1 returns will be lower as the unit ramps to median volumes.
Franchisee healthLocked
- Unit closure ratio
- Transfer vs. closure ratio
- Percent multi-unit franchisees
- Litigation rate
- EBITDA multiple on sales & transfers
Create your free Glidepath account to access full brand information.