About Chili’s Franchise
Chili’s is a mainstream restaurant that embodies the spirit of Texas and Tex-Mex flavours.
Brinkers, the parent company of Chili’s, is the world’s leading casual dining restaurant company with its own set of rules and regulations for buying a franchise.
The Chili’s Franchise
- Third-largest casual dining chain in the US
- Has over 1,600 locations worldwide
- Locations are available in 32 countries and all 50 states
- Options include Chili’s Grill & Bar and Chili’s Special Venue Restaurant.
- The initial investment cost for a Chili’s Grill & Bar franchise is projected to be about $2.6 million to $4.0 million, along with a franchise fee of around $40,000 to $60,000.
- Initial investment cost for a Chili’s Special Venue restaurant is projected to be approximately $1.4 million to $3.5 million, along with a franchise fee of around $40,000 to $60,000.
Professional Help
Fransmart is the leading franchise development firm for emerging brands. We can help you evaluate Chili’s franchise and other emerging brands to help you own a franchise. We can guide you to make the right investment decision by providing accurate and updated information about the franchise, franchise fees and cost, liquid capital, location available, reviews, advantages and disadvantages, and more.
Requirements for a Chili’s Franchise:
- Minimum experience of 5 years running a fast-casual or casual dining restaurant.
- Ability to open a minimum of five units
- A net worth of $500K
- Liquid capital of $400K.
How to open the Chili’s Franchise in the U.S.
It simply starts with filling out an online application, meeting with a representative and submitting a detailed business plan and financing proposal.
Follow Fransmart’s 10 step process to opening a franchise.
Cost of buying a Chili’s Franchise
When it comes to deciding whether or not to buy a franchise, one of the essential factors to consider is the franchise cost and start-up expenses. As a prospective franchisee, you should be aware of the regular fees and expenses of buying a Chili’s franchise, which can vary depending on your choice. The total cost of Chili’s franchise includes:
| Name of Fee | Low | High |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $60,000 |
| Leasehold Expense | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Pre-Construction | $45,000 | $300,000 |
| Construction Costs | $500,000 | $1,900,000 |
| Site Work | $50,000 | $600,000 |
| Exterior Signage | $15,000 | $80,000 |
| Furniture/Fixtures/Sound System/TVs | $55,000 | $120,000 |
| Kitchen/Bar/Equipment | $190,000 | $400,000 |
| Opening Advertising | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Initial Training | $60,000 | $250,000 |
| Opening Team Costs | $65,000 | $100,000 |
| Working Capital | $12,000 | $22,000 |
| Inventory | $8,000 | $20,000 |
| Bar/Kitchen Accessories | $40,000 | $60,000 |
| Liquor License | Varies | |
| Computer POS System/Kitchen Display System/Installation | $55,000 | $65,000 |
| Table Top Devices | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Online Ordering | $695 | $695 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $225,000 | $600,000 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL* | $1,395,695 | $4,637,695 |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Chili’s
There are a few significant advantages and disadvantages of buying a Chili’s Franchise.
Advantages of Chili’s Franchise:
- Flexible business models– One of the top advantages of buying a Chili’s franchise is choosing either a traditional restaurant or opening in unconventional places. You also have different menu options available to you.
- Leading-edge digital technology– Like the new, emerging profitable franchises like Taffer’s Tavern and Rise, Chili’ also retains its competitive advantage by embracing new digital technologies in its operating system. This has helped to lower costs and increase profit margins.
- Customer-Centric– This restaurant is better than McDonald’s, Subway, KFC because it emphasizes customer experience. The customer-centric approach helps franchise owners to establish a lasting relationship with locales-who may turn into regulars.
Disadvantages of Buying Chili’s Franchise
- Heavy Capital– Chili’s start-up costs are very high. Investors may enjoy stronger ROI by exploring alternative low fee franchises opportunities.
- Deteriorating hygiene and quality– Chili’s has been recently flooded with negative reviews and 1-star ratings from their customer on cleanliness and food quality.
- Mature Brand – Customers are always looking for fresh, new concepts. Chili’s is a mature concept that doesn’t appeal to most Millennials and Gen Z customers. Additionally, it’s hard for new franchisees to generate great wealth with mature brands.
Is Buying Chili’s Franchise Profitable?
Although Chili’s is one of the top QSR restaurants globally, buying this franchise might not be the best option for you to invest in in 2022. The brand recognition has languished in the past few years and that has impacted the existing franchisee owner’s profit.
We cannot disclose Chili’s franchise owners’ actual profit in a year. But we can help you with how you can create a profitable franchise model for yourself. Learn how here:
Alternate Profitable Franchise Opportunities for 2022
If you’re looking to generate wealth by buying a franchise, and you should be, it would be smart to evaluate newer, emerging brands that could offer 10X ROI on your short-term investment. Fransmart has a portfolio of new, hot concepts that are strong alternatives for someone interested in a Chili’s franchise including;