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-   -   No more chili at Chili's! (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/no-more-chili-chilis-356097/)

JerryLBell 01-24-2025 09:26 PM
No more chili at Chili's!
 
Chili's has been around for 50 years and I've eaten at them a LOT of times at a LOT of locations over the years. Several years ago they changed their chili recipe and it went (for me, anyway) from "OK" to "Pretty Darned Good". It's not Texas-chili-cookoff-super-hot and it's not bland-bean-soup-with-some-beef (I'm looking at YOU, Texas Roadhouse on 441, despite other decent dishes!) but it's pretty, pretty good. I have had it basically every time I've gone to Chili's since then.

Today, we went to Chili's and I ordered a meal combo with a bowl of chili on the side. I was told they don't do that anymore. So I dropped the meal combo and went with a bowl of chili. I was told that, no, they don't actually make chili anymore. At all. WTF? Going to Chili's and not being able to get chili is like going to Burger King and being told they don't actually make burgers anymore (except that their burgers aren't very good to begin with - I should really come up with a better analogy)!

I am outraged! But mostly sad. I'm going to make a big ole' honkin' pot of chili tomorrow and drown my sorrows in it. And I don't see myself going back to Chili's for a long time, despite the restaurant being clean and nice, the service good, the prices OK and all that. They just killed the differentiator that brought be into to their restaurants versus all the other choices out there.

P.S. - The chili at World of Beer, while completely different from that at Chili's, is Really Quite Good. Don't suggest Wendy's for chili - they make vegetable soup out of leftover burgers. Same goes for some of the country clubs here.

Well, that's all just my opinion. That and a nickel will buy you... not much of anything anymore, I guess!

retiredguy123 01-25-2025 04:52 AM
I like chili, but I am always afraid to order it because it is often delivered luke warm instead of hot. They should never use a microwave oven to heat the chili. Wendy's is the only restaurant where you can be assured that the chili will be served hot.

asianthree 01-25-2025 07:05 AM
I have only once had a bowl of chili outside of our kitchen. That was at Tap House last week. It was hot, but not microwave hot. They use the same chili for nachos appetizer, so it’s on the steam table. Since chili is regional, it’s hard to compare, but I would order again if I needed a chili fix.

RICH1 01-25-2025 07:24 AM
I was at BURGER KING , and they ran out of Whoppers... this is a true story! many will try to whopper top my story.

Kelevision 01-25-2025 07:54 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JerryLBell (Post 2404213)
Chili's has been around for 50 years and I've eaten at them a LOT of times at a LOT of locations over the years. Several years ago they changed their chili recipe and it went (for me, anyway) from "OK" to "Pretty Darned Good". It's not Texas-chili-cookoff-super-hot and it's not bland-bean-soup-with-some-beef (I'm looking at YOU, Texas Roadhouse on 441, despite other decent dishes!) but it's pretty, pretty good. I have had it basically every time I've gone to Chili's since then.

Today, we went to Chili's and I ordered a meal combo with a bowl of chili on the side. I was told they don't do that anymore. So I dropped the meal combo and went with a bowl of chili. I was told that, no, they don't actually make chili anymore. At all. WTF? Going to Chili's and not being able to get chili is like going to Burger King and being told they don't actually make burgers anymore (except that their burgers aren't very good to begin with - I should really come up with a better analogy)!

I am outraged! But mostly sad. I'm going to make a big ole' honkin' pot of chili tomorrow and drown my sorrows in it. And I don't see myself going back to Chili's for a long time, despite the restaurant being clean and nice, the service good, the prices OK and all that. They just killed the differentiator that brought be into to their restaurants versus all the other choices out there.

P.S. - The chili at World of Beer, while completely different from that at Chili's, is Really Quite Good. Don't suggest Wendy's for chili - they make vegetable soup out of leftover burgers. Same goes for some of the country clubs here.

Well, that's all just my opinion. That and a nickel will buy you... not much of anything anymore, I guess!
Weird. I just went to the website and they have both bowl and cup of chili listed on the menu. They use the chili to make the queso dip too. It would be very very strange for them to take that off the menu since they have every ingredient already supplied.

Bay Kid 01-25-2025 08:41 AM
Evidently there is nothing in a name.

Altavia 01-25-2025 08:49 AM
Steak N Shake with a grilled cheese has always been my favorite :-)

justjim 01-25-2025 02:53 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2404223)
I like chili, but I am always afraid to order it because it is often delivered luke warm instead of hot. They should never use a microwave oven to heat the chili. Wendy's is the only restaurant where you can be assured that the chili will be served hot.
I have good luck at Culver’s for their Chili being served hot and tasty. Steak ‘n Shake chili has been disappointing.

CarlR33 01-25-2025 03:12 PM
You should probably write (or today’s email) chilies corporate since they probably do not read TOTV.

JerryLBell 01-25-2025 03:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlR33 (Post 2404430)
You should probably write (or today’s email) chilies corporate since they probably do not read TOTV.
Oh, I did that before posting here!

JerryLBell 01-25-2025 03:45 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kelevision (Post 2404269)
Weird. I just went to the website and they have both bowl and cup of chili listed on the menu. They use the chili to make the queso dip too. It would be very very strange for them to take that off the menu since they have every ingredient already supplied.
It's also still on their printed menus. The waiter said they just hadn't been updated yet.

Topspinmo 01-25-2025 04:07 PM
Isn’t chili’s just catchy name like all rest? First thing I think of Mexican? Kinda like vulgar king, Definitely no king of burger’s nowadays. They use to be good burger 40 years ago, but now just name…IMO should have changed to vulgar king. :22yikes: Chili’s never was hype for me, average food at above average prices..:icon_bored:

Topspinmo 01-25-2025 04:08 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlR33 (Post 2404430)
You should probably write (or today’s email) chilies corporate since they probably do not read TOTV.
You think that change corporate minds?

Topspinmo 01-25-2025 04:15 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RICH1 (Post 2404254)
I was at BURGER KING , and they ran out of Whoppers... this is a true story! many will try to whopper top my story.
I once went to Cracker Barrel just pass 12 noon ordered dinner and they said the was out of meatloaf dinner. What? they only made enough for 10 meals? Then, I ordered chicken fried steak and they said they were out of chicken fried steak too. My next question well what do you have left? Course all meals that nobody hardly ever orders..

Jayhawk 01-25-2025 05:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RICH1 (Post 2404254)
I was at BURGER KING , and they ran out of Whoppers... this is a true story! many will try to whopper top my story.
We went to Babies "R" Us and they were completely out.

:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

JRcorvette 01-25-2025 06:43 PM
I have Homemade Chili and it’s Excellent!

Stu from NYC 01-25-2025 07:12 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRcorvette (Post 2404479)
I have Homemade Chili and it’s Excellent!
Very happy with the chili I make have several days worth for lunch each time

shaw8700@outlook.com 01-25-2025 07:58 PM
I’m having a chili cook-off for my Village - you should come and be my judge!

Topspinmo 01-25-2025 09:18 PM
I won chili cookout with over 50 contestants. Still have framed certificate stored up in attic. Or should I say my wife won the chili cook off and I took the prize, but gave her credit with reporter’s interview. Not big fan of chili in my old years..

retiredguy123 01-26-2025 12:51 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by justjim (Post 2404428)
I have good luck at Culver’s for their Chili being served hot and tasty. Steak ‘n Shake chili has been disappointing.
I ordered a bowl of chili at Texas Roadhouse today and asked the server to make sure the chili was hot, not luke warm. What did I get? Luke warm chili. Why can't they heat up the chili???

buster21 01-26-2025 06:14 AM
High-Protein Vegan Chili

La lamy 01-26-2025 06:38 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kelevision (Post 2404269)
Weird. I just went to the website and they have both bowl and cup of chili listed on the menu. They use the chili to make the queso dip too. It would be very very strange for them to take that off the menu since they have every ingredient already supplied.
What's on a menu doesn't always apply unfortunately. Went to a few establishments a couple days ago looking for an IPA (Indian Pale Ale), and 3 with some on their menu didn't have it. I miss SS World of beer!!! But that's not the topic at hand, please no comment about that!

La lamy 01-26-2025 06:40 AM
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by JerryLBell (Post 2404213)
Chili's has been around for 50 years and I've eaten at them a LOT of times at a LOT of locations over the years. Several years ago they changed their chili recipe and it went (for me, anyway) from "OK" to "Pretty Darned Good". It's not Texas-chili-cookoff-super-hot and it's not bland-bean-soup-with-some-beef (I'm looking at YOU, Texas Roadhouse on 441, despite other decent dishes!) but it's pretty, pretty good. I have had it basically every time I've gone to Chili's since then.

Today, we went to Chili's and I ordered a meal combo with a bowl of chili on the side. I was told they don't do that anymore. So I dropped the meal combo and went with a bowl of chili. I was told that, no, they don't actually make chili anymore. At all. WTF? Going to Chili's and not being able to get chili is like going to Burger King and being told they don't actually make burgers anymore (except that their burgers aren't very good to begin with - I should really come up with a better analogy)!

I am outraged! But mostly sad. I'm going to make a big ole' honkin' pot of chili tomorrow and drown my sorrows in it. And I don't see myself going back to Chili's for a long time, despite the restaurant being clean and nice, the service good, the prices OK and all that. They just killed the differentiator that brought be into to their restaurants versus all the other choices out there.

P.S. - The chili at World of Beer, while completely different from that at Chili's, is Really Quite Good. Don't suggest Wendy's for chili - they make vegetable soup out of leftover burgers. Same goes for some of the country clubs here.

Well, that's all just my opinion. That and a nickel will buy you... not much of anything anymore, I guess!
That's CRAZY!!!

cherylogt 01-26-2025 07:04 AM
Rotary Club of The Villages annual Chili Fest will be held this Saturday, February 1st, in Lake Sumter Landing
from 12:00-3:00PM. There will be over 30 participants. I am pretty sure you will find several chilis to your liking.
All are welcome. Enjoy

Michael 61 01-26-2025 07:40 AM
I entered the very large annual chili cook off at my employer for decades - I placed a few times. Living in Colorado, I had easy access to fresh, roasted Pueblo and Hatch chilis in the late summer/early autumn. Nothing compares to homemade chili - fairly easy to make in a crockpot - and then freeze in small batches to enjoy throughout the winter months.

ithos 01-26-2025 08:17 AM
I grew up near the first Chili's. It was one of the most popular restaurants in Dallas and was packed almost every night. It had great ambience.
What It Was Like To Eat At The Original Chili's

https://www.thedailymeal.com/img/gal...717081458.webp

SHIBUMI 01-26-2025 09:07 AM
Mr. K
 
Hi,
pardon my method, but, still trying to get a hold of you to possibly drop my book off to you for an opinion if it is worthy of a TV Series. I will contact you with info where to deliver on the private message. Thank You

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kelevision (Post 2404269)
Weird. I just went to the website and they have both bowl and cup of chili listed on the menu. They use the chili to make the queso dip too. It would be very very strange for them to take that off the menu since they have every ingredient already supplied.

dougawhite 01-26-2025 10:38 AM
Where's the Beef
 
At McD's once I got a hamburger and there was no burger patty. They promptly replaced my burger with only a tiny bit of embarrassment.

Nell57 01-26-2025 10:41 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by cherylogt (Post 2404548)
Rotary Club of The Villages annual Chili Fest will be held this Saturday, February 1st, in Lake Sumter Landing
from 12:00-3:00PM. There will be over 30 participants. I am pretty sure you will find several chilis to your liking.
All are welcome. Enjoy
We went twice. Paid our $…got the wristbands. Both times most participants ran out of chili. So if you go….go early.
And eat a sandwich first…..you don’t get much chili

TVTVTV 01-26-2025 11:05 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JerryLBell (Post 2404213)
Chili's has been around for 50 years and I've eaten at them a LOT of times at a LOT of locations over the years. Several years ago they changed their chili recipe and it went (for me, anyway) from "OK" to "Pretty Darned Good". It's not Texas-chili-cookoff-super-hot and it's not bland-bean-soup-with-some-beef (I'm looking at YOU, Texas Roadhouse on 441, despite other decent dishes!) but it's pretty, pretty good. I have had it basically every time I've gone to Chili's since then.

Today, we went to Chili's and I ordere






d a meal combo with a bowl of chili on the side. I was told they don't do that anymore. So I dropped the meal combo and went with a bowl of chili. I was told that, no, they don't actually make chili anymore. At all. WTF? Going to Chili's and not being able to get chili is like going to Burger King and being told they don't actually make burgers anymore (except that their burgers aren't very good to begin with - I should really come up with a better analogy)!

I am outraged! But mostly sad. I'm going to make a big ole' honkin' pot of chili tomorrow and drown my sorrows in it. And I don't see myself going back to Chili's for a long time, despite the restaurant being clean and nice, the service good, the prices OK and all that. They just killed the differentiator that brought be into to their restaurants versus all the other choices out there.

P.S. - The chili at World of Beer, while completely different from that at Chili's, is Really Quite Good. Don't suggest Wendy's for chili - they make vegetable soup out of leftover burgers. Same goes for some of the country clubs here.

Well, that's all just my opinion. That and a nickel will buy you... not much of anything anymore, I guess!
Chili's restaurants are named for chili peppers, NOT bowls of chili! See their logo?

Old Bob 01-26-2025 11:06 AM
Chili
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JerryLBell (Post 2404213)
Chili's has been around for 50 years and I've eaten at them a LOT of times at a LOT of locations over the years. Several years ago they changed their chili recipe and it went (for me, anyway) from "OK" to "Pretty Darned Good". It's not Texas-chili-cookoff-super-hot and it's not bland-bean-soup-with-some-beef (I'm looking at YOU, Texas Roadhouse on 441, despite other decent dishes!) but it's pretty, pretty good. I have had it basically every time I've gone to Chili's since then.

Bob Evans makes a good sausage chili

Today, we went to Chili's and I ordered a meal combo with a bowl of chili on the side. I was told they don't do that anymore. So I dropped the meal combo and went with a bowl of chili. I was told that, no, they don't actually make chili anymore. At all. WTF? Going to Chili's and not being able to get chili is like going to Burger King and being told they don't actually make burgers anymore (except that their burgers aren't very good to begin with - I should really come up with a better analogy)!

I am outraged! But mostly sad. I'm going to make a big ole' honkin' pot of chili tomorrow and drown my sorrows in it. And I don't see myself going back to Chili's for a long time, despite the restaurant being clean and nice, the service good, the prices OK and all that. They just killed the differentiator that brought be into to their restaurants versus all the other choices out there.

P.S. - The chili at World of Beer, while completely different from that at Chili's, is Really Quite Good. Don't suggest Wendy's for chili - they make vegetable soup out of leftover burgers. Same goes for some of the country clubs here.

Well, that's all just my opinion. That and a nickel will buy you... not much of anything anymore, I guess!
Bob Evans makes a good sausage chili

ithos 01-26-2025 11:15 AM
Quote:
Chili's restaurants are named for chili peppers, NOT bowls of chili! See their logo?
I don't believe that is the case.

Quote:
Lavine had grown up eating chili cheeseburgers at Burger House and Goff's Hamburgers, and those memories stayed with him when he got into the restaurant business. His father-in-law was renowned racecar driver and designer Carroll Shelby, who had a special place in his heart for chili. Shelby created the world's first Championship Chili Cook-off in 1967, which is still held to this day in Terlingua, Texas. Lavine, naturally, was present at these cook-offs, even acting as a judge and noting the attendees' excitement. As he mentioned, "In Texas, there's two things people will talk about if they eat — barbecue and chili." They picked the name Chili's for their new restaurant as it was short and catchy, and hopefully would get a lot of press from it. They didn't expect to sell a lot of actual chili, but did, and so much more too.
What It Was Like To Eat At The Original Chili's

ithos 01-26-2025 11:24 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JerryLBell (Post 2404213)
Chili's has been around for 50 years and I've eaten at them a LOT of times at a LOT of locations over the years. Several years ago they changed their chili recipe and it went (for me, anyway) from "OK" to "Pretty Darned Good". It's not Texas-chili-cookoff-super-hot and it's not bland-bean-soup-with-some-beef (I'm looking at YOU, Texas Roadhouse on 441, despite other decent dishes!) but it's pretty, pretty good. I have had it basically every time I've gone to Chili's since then.

Today, we went to Chili's and I ordered a meal combo with a bowl of chili on the side. I was told they don't do that anymore. So I dropped the meal combo and went with a bowl of chili. I was told that, no, they don't actually make chili anymore. At all. WTF? Going to Chili's and not being able to get chili is like going to Burger King and being told they don't actually make burgers anymore (except that their burgers aren't very good to begin with - I should really come up with a better analogy)!

I am outraged! But mostly sad. I'm going to make a big ole' honkin' pot of chili tomorrow and drown my sorrows in it. And I don't see myself going back to Chili's for a long time, despite the restaurant being clean and nice, the service good, the prices OK and all that. They just killed the differentiator that brought be into to their restaurants versus all the other choices out there.

P.S. - The chili at World of Beer, while completely different from that at Chili's, is Really Quite Good. Don't suggest Wendy's for chili - they make vegetable soup out of leftover burgers. Same goes for some of the country clubs here.

Well, that's all just my opinion. That and a nickel will buy you... not much of anything anymore, I guess!
I agree. They have strayed so far from their roots. This is to be expected though when successful chains get bought out by corporations.

ithos 01-29-2025 08:24 AM
Same-restaurant sales soar 31% at Chili’s driven by new and returning guests
Looks like chili isn't as popular as it used to be.
marketwatch.com


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