10 Fascinating Facts You May Not Know About Chili’s

Many people are familiar with the vibrant and casual atmosphere of Chili’s, but how much do you really know about the restaurant chain? Here are 10 interesting facts that go beyond the well-known myths and images. Whether you're a regular customer or just curious, these tidbits will give you a deeper appreciation for one of America's most beloved casual dining spots.

Myth or Fact: The Upside-Down Painting at Chili’s

One popular myth about Chili’s is that every location has an upside-down painting that customers must find. However, this is more of a tale than a fact. While some Chili’s locations do feature quirky decor, there is no official requirement for an upside-down painting. Urban legends and playful stories are often the source of such myths.

The Floor Tile Dog Paw Print

Some Chili’s restaurants do have a dog's paw print randomly placed in the floor tiles, adding a playful touch to the dining experience. While not as widespread as the upside-down painting myth, this prankster’s addition does make the experience a bit more fun for customers.

The First Chili’s Location

The very first Chili’s was located in a converted postal station in Dallas, Texas. This location marked the beginning of what would become a chain of restaurants known for their casual atmosphere and diverse menu options.

Schlitz Beer

Initially, Chili’s only served one type of beer: Schlitz. This was a common practice in many restaurants at the time and demonstrates the simplicity of the dining experience offered by Chili’s in its early days.

A Year of Fun Facts

Here are some more fascinating facts about Chili’s that will both entertain and inform:

Baby Back Ribs Jingle: The NSYNC commercial jingle for Chili’s baby back ribs was 2004's number one song most likely to get stuck in your head. This catchy tune proved highly memorable and engaging. Drink Sales: Chili’s sells 60.4 million pounds of fajita meat annually and about 13 swimming pools' worth of margaritas each year. These impressive numbers speak to the popularity and love that customers have for their food and drinks. Ad Jingle Creator: The man who wrote the Chili’s Baby Back Ribs jingle, Guy Bommarito, had never actually eaten Chili’s baby back ribs. Bommarito wrote the song in a rushed effort to save his advertising firm from being fired. The song was produced by Tom Faulkner, and the bass line was sung by Wolf Johnson, who passed away in 2012.

Comparisons to Other Chains

It's worth noting that other restaurant chains, such as Red Robin, also engage in similar practices. Red Robin hires people to create custom art for each restaurant location, making each location unique in its decor and design.

These facts offer a glimpse into the rich history and unique culture of Chili’s. Whether it’s the converted postal station origin, the iconic jingles, or the impressive beverage sales, there’s a lot to appreciate about this beloved American chain.

So next time you visit Chili’s, take a moment to appreciate the history and the quirks that make this restaurant chain one of the most beloved in the casual dining industry.