How Chili’s Won When America Raged About Fast-Food Prices - WSJ


Chili's capitalized on consumer outrage over rising fast-food prices by positioning itself as a more affordable alternative offering comparable meals with added perks.
AI Summary available — skim the key points instantly. Show AI Generated Summary
Show AI Generated Summary

When social-media feeds lit up with complaints about how pricey fast-food meals had become (“By the time you buy a meal for yourself and someone else, you’ve spent well over $20,” one woman said in a TikTok last year.), Kevin Hochman saw an opportunity in the outrage. 

The chief executive of the company that owns casual-dining chain Chili’s decided it was time to touch a third rail of restaurant marketing: He compared Chili’s to McDonalds, a surprising tactic since casual-dining chains in the past didn’t consider themselves rivals to fast food. Chili’s diners, the company pitches, get similar burgers to a Big Mac but served at a table with unlimited chips and soda for the same price as a combo meal. And if they are in the mood, a margarita for $6 too.

Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Was this article displayed correctly? Not happy with what you see?

Tabs Reminder: Tabs piling up in your browser? Set a reminder for them, close them and get notified at the right time.

Try our Chrome extension today!


Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more

Facebook

Save articles to reading lists
and access them on any device


Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more

Facebook

Save articles to reading lists
and access them on any device