US fast food chain to rival McDonald’s as it comes to UK

Chili’s Grill & Bar has confirmed it is relaunching in the UK after more than 15 years, with hopes of eventually opening more than 100 restaurants across the country.

Chili’s originally arrived in Britain during the 1990s and operated restaurants in places including Cambridge, Reading and London’s Canary Wharf.

However, by 2009, every UK branch had closed.

“tAp TO vIEw VeRITcALLy” sure but look at the cheese pull pic.twitter.com/9CRaqBW14o

— Chili’s Grill & Bar (@Chilis) January 14, 2026

Fast food chain to return to UK after disappearing more than 15 years ago

Now, the company is making a fresh attempt at cracking the UK market, aiming to open a flagship restaurant within the next 12 to 18 months before it aims to roll out more sites, reports Need To Know.

The brand has partnered with The Franchising Centre on these relaunch plans.

Industry insiders say they believe the chain could open between 85 and 100 restaurants if successful.

Potential locations currently being considered include London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Reading, and Solihull, according to reports.

The Tex-Mex chain, which is well-known in the US for its burgers, ribs, fajitas, and margaritas.

It’s the latest US food brand to venture into the UK market, following the likes of Popeye’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Chick-fil-A.

The UK’s favourite takeaways

John Overdijking, franchise recruitment specialist at The Franchising Centre, told Propel Hospitality about the company’s plans.

He said there are “significant” opportunities for the brand in Britain.

Mr Overdijking added that Chili’s could operate using several different formats.

This includes full-service restaurants, compact city sites as well as fast-casual locations.

However, it’s thought that the chain’s initial focus will be on traditional sit-down restaurants.

The Tex-Mex chain has become well-known in America, in part due to its regular appearance in the US series The Office.

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