Chili’s Sizzles with 32% Same-Store Sales Surge in Q3, Outpacing Maggiano’s

Brinker International, the parent company of Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy, reported its fiscal third-quarter earnings today, revealing a dramatic disparity in performance between its two flagship brands. Chili’s posted an eye-catching 32% increase in same-store sales, a significant jump that dwarfs the modest 0.4% uptick reported by Maggiano’s for the same period.

The Q3 surge for Chili’s marks one of its strongest recent performances, driven largely by increased customer traffic, streamlined menu offerings, and aggressive value-driven promotions that resonated with diners seeking casual, affordable dining experiences amid broader economic uncertainty.

“This quarter’s performance reflects the strength of the Chili’s brand and the successful execution of our strategic initiatives,” said Brinker International CEO Kevin Hochman. “Guests are responding to our focus on value, quality, and service, and it’s paying off in traffic and sales growth.”

Chili’s has recently leaned into affordability and simplified operations, highlighting menu staples like its “3 for Me” value meal, which has become a key traffic driver. The brand also benefited from targeted digital marketing and loyalty program growth, helping it connect with younger and more budget-conscious consumers.

Maggiano’s Little Italy, by contrast, posted a flat 0.4% gain in same-store sales, reflecting the different challenges faced by upscale casual dining brands in today’s environment. While Maggiano’s remains a steady performer, its slower growth pace signals the difficulty in attracting traffic in the full-service, higher-priced dining segment, especially as consumers become more selective with discretionary spending.

Overall, Brinker’s earnings report shows a company leaning into what works—value, speed, and familiarity—particularly through the Chili’s brand. With inflation still pressuring consumer wallets, Chili’s ability to serve comfort food at competitive prices appears to be a winning recipe.

Looking ahead, Brinker executives signaled continued investment in digital innovation and operational efficiency at Chili’s, with hopes of extending its momentum into the summer months. Meanwhile, they acknowledged the need to reassess Maggiano’s positioning in a shifting dining landscape.