Business at Chili’s jumped 21% over the summer thanks to menu changes serving up value, and that’s before the queso came back.

DALLAS — The first Chili’s opened on the corner of Greenville Avenue and Meadow Road in Dallas back in 1975. Fifty years later, the now-worldwide chain is delivering big sales for its Dallas-based parent company. 

Brinker International, the Dallas-based parent company of Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy, kicked off fiscal 2026 with strong momentum — led by major growth at Chili’s.

Brinker reported $1.35 billion in total revenue for the first quarter, up from $1.14 billion a year ago. The company said much of that increase came from sales at Chili’s, which climbed more than 21% year-over-year.

“Chili’s continues to deliver industry-leading results,” said Kevin Hochman, Brinker’s president and CEO. “Our consistent investments in food, service and atmosphere, combined with strong plans, give us confidence we can build on this growth and successfully lap the high sales comparisons in Q2 and Q3.”

Brinker’s management credited Chili’s growth to higher guest traffic, menu innovation, value for consumers and operational improvements that have resonated with diners. Chili’s remains Brinker’s primary growth engine, continuing to outperform many casual dining peers.

Chili’s recently announced the return of its Skillet Queso, which didn’t hit menus in time to be reflected in the recent earnings report.  The restaurant chain is also heavily advertising a variety of dining deals, including the ‘3 for Me’ and drink specials, which seem to be attracting consumers looking for more bang for their buck.

Texas remains at the heart of Brinker’s success story — the state has more Chili’s locations than anywhere else in the country, underscoring the brand’s strong local roots and continued appeal to North Texans.

While Chili’s led the way, Maggiano’s Little Italy faced a decline in sales and slower traffic in the quarter, Brinker is looking to change that. “The company has several initiatives in motion focused on improving the business as part of its Back to Maggiano’s strategy, featuring abundant Italian American favorites with warm and attentive service,” the company said.

Brinker reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance, signaling confidence in maintaining its growth trajectory through the remainder of the year, its projections fell a bit short of what some analysts were expecting.

“Our teams are executing at a high level,” Hochman said. “We’re focused on keeping the momentum going at Chili’s and continuing to deliver for our guests and shareholders.”

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Brinker International (NYSE: EAT) owns, operates and franchises more than 1,600 restaurants worldwide, with Chili’s Grill & Bar accounting for the majority of its footprint.