History of Chili’s: From a Dallas Burger Joint to a Global Chain
Chili’s Grill & Bar opened on March 13, 1975, when Larry Lavine turned a former postal building on Greenville Avenue in Dallas, Texas, into a casual burger and Tex-Mex spot. In 1983 restaurateur Norman Brinker bought the chain, and his company — today Brinker International, still based in Dallas — grew Chili’s into one of the best-known casual dining brands in the world, with restaurants in more than 20 countries.
Chili’s Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Larry Lavine opens the first Chili’s on Greenville Ave, Dallas |
| 1983 | Norman Brinker acquires Chili’s |
| Late 1980s–1990s | Rapid expansion across the U.S.; company becomes Brinker International |
| 1990s | “Baby Back Ribs” jingle becomes a pop-culture hit |
| 2000s–2010s | International growth into 20+ countries; tabletop ordering and online to-go |
| 2020s | 3 For Me value deal and the Big Smasher / Big QP burgers drive strong growth |
What Made Chili’s Famous
Burgers first
Chili’s started as a gourmet-burger joint — the Oldtimer is a nod to those roots.
Sizzling fajitas
Fajitas became a Chili’s signature and helped bring Tex-Mex to suburbs nationwide. See the fajitas menu.
The baby back ribs jingle
Advertising Age once ranked the jingle first among songs most likely to get stuck in your head. See the ribs menu.
Margaritas
The Presidente Margarita became one of the chain’s most-ordered drinks.
Chili’s Today
The chain is headquartered in Dallas and is the largest brand owned by Brinker International, which also owns Maggiano’s Little Italy. Its focus on value — especially the 3 For Me deal from $10.99 — has made it one of the fastest-growing casual dining chains in recent years.
Chili’s Signature Dishes Through the Years
| Dish | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Burgers | The original focus of the first Chili’s |
| Sizzling fajitas | Helped make Tex-Mex popular in suburbs |
| Baby back ribs | Made famous by the well-known jingle |
| Presidente Margarita | One of the chain’s signature drinks |
| 3 For Me | Modern value deal from $10.99 |
Read more about today’s dishes on our featured items page.
Chili’s Today
Today Chili’s is part of Brinker International, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The brand operates restaurants across the United States and in more than 20 other countries, with menus adapted for local tastes in some markets. Its focus on value deals, sizzling fajitas and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere has kept it one of the most recognisable casual dining chains in America.
Fun Facts
- The first Chili’s opened in a former postal building on Greenville Avenue in Dallas.
- Advertising Age once ranked the baby back ribs jingle first among songs most likely to get stuck in your head.
- Chili’s shares its parent company, Brinker International, with Maggiano’s Little Italy.
For official nutrition and allergen information, see the Chili’s nutrition guide.
FAQs About History Of Chili’s
Who founded Chili’s?
Larry Lavine founded Chili’s in Dallas, Texas, in 1975.
Who owns Chili’s now?
The chain is owned by Brinker International, based in Dallas.
Where was the first Chili’s?
On Greenville Avenue in Dallas, in a converted postal station.
When did Chili’s open?
March 13, 1975.
Why is it called Chili’s?
The original restaurant was a casual Tex-Mex and burger spot, and the name reflected that Southwestern style.
Is Chili’s still based in Texas?
Yes, Chili’s parent company Brinker International is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Explore More of the Menu
This page is part of our full Chili’s menu with prices guide. You may also like:
