This secret tweak to Chili's iconic burger has gone unnoticed – Did you spot it yet?
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At The GrayVine, we appreciate the classics—those timeless treasures that have stood the test of time.
But even the most iconic of items can benefit from a little behind-the-scenes tinkering.
Take, for instance, the humble burger, a staple of American cuisine and a centerpiece of casual dining. Chili's, a beloved establishment among many in our community, has demonstrated that even the smallest of changes can have a profound impact.
The OldTimer's Secret Ingredient Swap
Chili's most popular burger, The OldTimer, has undergone a transformation so subtle that it slipped right under the radar of customers and executives alike.
The change? Not the patty, not the cheese, nor the way the buns are toasted, but something far more unassuming: the pickles.
CEO Kevin Hochman recently shared with the Wall Street Journal a tale of culinary sleight of hand that's saving the company a small fortune.
The revelation came as a surprise to many, as various executives hazarded guesses about the nature of the alteration, only to find they were all mistaken.
The Pickle Predicament
Previously, Chili's kitchen staff grappled with cumbersome five-gallon pickle jugs that were as unwieldy as they were frustrating.
These jugs, likened to “painter's jugs,” required a special tool just to “liberate the pickles,” as Hochman put it. This time-consuming process was not only a hassle for employees but also a financial drain.
Source: Chili's / Youtube.
The Twist-Top Revolution
In a move that epitomizes the phrase “less is more,” Chili's opted to switch to a jar with a twist top, streamlining the pickle-access process and, in turn, saving time and reducing frustration for their kitchen staff.
This seemingly minor adjustment led to major savings, to the tune of over half a million dollars cheaper than the previous pickle packaging.
Cost-Cutting with a Side of Innovation
The pickle swap is just one example of the cost-cutting measures Chili's has implemented as part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the brand.
And it's working. The 49-year-old chain has experienced a remarkable comeback, with experts lauding it as the “best one of all time.”
Chili's has seen a 20 percent increase in foot traffic and a 31 percent rise in sales at restaurants open for at least a year—its third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.
These impressive figures have propelled parent company Brinker International's stock to a record high.
A Recipe for Success
So, what's the secret sauce behind Chili's resurgence? A revamped menu, a strong social media presence, and an appeal to a younger demographic have all played a part.
CEO Hochman, who stepped into the role in 2022, has focused on simplifying the menu and improving the recipes for key items like French fries and chicken tenders.
Source: The Wall Street Journal / Youtube.
The investment in the new menu, additional servers, and restaurant upgrades has exceeded $400 million.
But the focus on core offerings—burgers, chicken crispers, fajitas, and margaritas—has paid off, offering customers both quality and value, a welcome respite in times of economic uncertainty.
Read next: This new burger is giving McDonald’s Quarter Pounder a run for its money–Find out where!
Have you visited Chili's recently and noticed a difference in your favorite burger? Or perhaps you have your own story of a subtle change that made a big difference? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
But even the most iconic of items can benefit from a little behind-the-scenes tinkering.
Take, for instance, the humble burger, a staple of American cuisine and a centerpiece of casual dining. Chili's, a beloved establishment among many in our community, has demonstrated that even the smallest of changes can have a profound impact.
The OldTimer's Secret Ingredient Swap
Chili's most popular burger, The OldTimer, has undergone a transformation so subtle that it slipped right under the radar of customers and executives alike.
The change? Not the patty, not the cheese, nor the way the buns are toasted, but something far more unassuming: the pickles.
CEO Kevin Hochman recently shared with the Wall Street Journal a tale of culinary sleight of hand that's saving the company a small fortune.
The revelation came as a surprise to many, as various executives hazarded guesses about the nature of the alteration, only to find they were all mistaken.
Chili's has implemented a substantial change to its most popular burger, The OldTimer, specifically altering the type of pickles used to save costs, a detail not immediately noticed by customers or executives. Image source: The Wall Street Journal / Youtube.
The Pickle Predicament
Previously, Chili's kitchen staff grappled with cumbersome five-gallon pickle jugs that were as unwieldy as they were frustrating.
These jugs, likened to “painter's jugs,” required a special tool just to “liberate the pickles,” as Hochman put it. This time-consuming process was not only a hassle for employees but also a financial drain.
Source: Chili's / Youtube.
The Twist-Top Revolution
In a move that epitomizes the phrase “less is more,” Chili's opted to switch to a jar with a twist top, streamlining the pickle-access process and, in turn, saving time and reducing frustration for their kitchen staff.
This seemingly minor adjustment led to major savings, to the tune of over half a million dollars cheaper than the previous pickle packaging.
Cost-Cutting with a Side of Innovation
The pickle swap is just one example of the cost-cutting measures Chili's has implemented as part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the brand.
And it's working. The 49-year-old chain has experienced a remarkable comeback, with experts lauding it as the “best one of all time.”
Chili's has experienced a remarkable turnaround, with a surge in customer foot traffic and consecutive quarters of double-digit growth in sales at established restaurants. Image source: Chili's / Youtube.
Chili's has seen a 20 percent increase in foot traffic and a 31 percent rise in sales at restaurants open for at least a year—its third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.
These impressive figures have propelled parent company Brinker International's stock to a record high.
A Recipe for Success
So, what's the secret sauce behind Chili's resurgence? A revamped menu, a strong social media presence, and an appeal to a younger demographic have all played a part.
CEO Hochman, who stepped into the role in 2022, has focused on simplifying the menu and improving the recipes for key items like French fries and chicken tenders.
Source: The Wall Street Journal / Youtube.
The investment in the new menu, additional servers, and restaurant upgrades has exceeded $400 million.
But the focus on core offerings—burgers, chicken crispers, fajitas, and margaritas—has paid off, offering customers both quality and value, a welcome respite in times of economic uncertainty.
Read next: This new burger is giving McDonald’s Quarter Pounder a run for its money–Find out where!
Have you visited Chili's recently and noticed a difference in your favorite burger? Or perhaps you have your own story of a subtle change that made a big difference? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
