Chili’s is currently trying to revitalize its image by bringing back the old faves. Along with changing the menu with the return of popular items, they have also brought back their popular “Baby Back Ribs” tune.The company, like many in its same genre, has suffered from the recession. In the past, Chili’s thrived on expansion. The chain, under Brinker International, has opened 400 locations in the past five years. However, this fiscal year will bring no new locations to the eatery.
Chili’s is hoping that increasing their “welcoming” customer service and switching some of their famous burgers' and ribs' recipes will bring a return.
Some menu changes include bringing back the previously removed "Caribbean Salad" and changing the smoke wood from mesquite to pecan. Also, the burger meat is being changed to choice ground chuck and will be hand-formed by the cooks on site.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125435105199954095.html
5 comments:
I saw this "new" commercial on TV the very same day we discussed it in class. I have to admit that the jingle brought back memories and really made me want to head on over to Chili's for some baby back ribs! In my opinion, they shouldn't have ever gotten rid of this classic jingle because it's just so catchy and it helps people focus on Chili's "signature" item...baby backs! It is often hard to decipher between the food at the various restaurants...Applebee's, Chili's, Cheddar's, etc., but when I think of Chili's then I think of that jingle and their baby back ribs. I think it really pulls customers in and helps Chili's push themselves away from the rest of the crowd.
Yeah-yuh! I saw it tonight and felt extra smart that I already knew that they were switching to pecan wood. Take that [my] boyfriend who thinks he knows everything just because it is football Sunday!
OH MAN im excited for this! I used to work for Chili's for three years and they kept coming out with new entres that no one really liked. Everyone always ordered the Oldtimer or ribs. They should stick to the classics, since they are known for them!
I have many friends who work at the chili's here in San Marcos and I find we have almost this same conversation a lot. When I was younger, Chili's was the place I ALWAYS wanted to go eat at. It could have been because of the N'Sync commercials with the "Baby Back" jingle but regardless, Chili's doesn't seem to have much going for them these days. I am glad to see that they are returning to some of their old techniques that seemed to work so well for them. I think I had forgotten that they even had ribs. Chili's and ribs just aren't as synonymous these days as they had been in the past.
I saw the new commercial a few days ago. Then I actually ended up going to Chili's a day or so later, so maybe the wave of nostalgia is working! I don't know how much of a taste difference the new wood will make, but pecan flavor does sound a lot yummier than mesquite flavor.
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