Chili’s Repsonse
Posted in Going Vegetarian, letters on 02/12/2010 03:41 pm by beckySince I did everything aside from marching right into Chili’s headquarters and bonking them on the head with their new menu, lo and behold they got back to me! Not only that but now they have added their vegetarian menu download right on the menu page.
The truth is the woman I have been communicating with from Chili’s corporate is really quite lovely. She has been very funny and responsive. (Notice how “funny” gets the headliner over “responsive”? We know what’s important in my book) This little experience made me realize that we are all just trying to do our best, right? Although I don’t regret getting on my vegetarian soapbox and calling Chili’s out on their lack of meat-free choices, I also realized, as with everything in life, if I don’t like it I can just think my thoughts and move along.
Before I hitch my wagons get along little doggy, I wanted to give Chili’s their time in the Princess Mikkimoto sun. So without further ago (or more terrible cliches)
From K @ Chili’s…
I did want you to know that we do hear you and understand your frustrations with the limited vegetarian menu at Chili’s. We do try our best to create choices for everyone – but it is hard to please all diets, lifestyles, etc… We do actually have vegetarian choices on the menu (Black Bean Burger is the most popular) and it isn’t putting any server or cook out to ask for other options. In fact, we hope you ask! We want people to get what they want. We encourage you to ask, modify or do whatever you want to get what you want. And we do even have a “meat-free” soup, but depending on the restaurant/location, some soups are not actually on the menu – they are considered soup of the day. Those are either noted at the front or your server can tell you the options. The reason – simply to regionalize the offerings. Each restaurant may have soups that do better than in other areas. So we let them make the call. The downside, its not always listed.
We did change up our menu recently where our Guiltless items are spread throughout the menu and that includes some of our vegetarian options. Sorry if those weren’t clear. We are taking the feedback in and seeing if there are some places for improvement. But that is what happens when we change stuff up.
And we do have all of our vegetarian, allergen and nutritional info on our website if you ever need anything. Most restaurants have this info in-store as well, but sometimes you do have to ask for it. I know that is not as visibly accessible, but we try to make it available in places where people are researching their options.
Usually, once your inside, it’s better to ask your server. They should know what they have available at that location and what alternatives they can get you. Like I said, some locations have regional menus and some are even franchised and have more variations.
I hope this gives you a little understanding and tips when dining out. If you have any questions, please let me know… Thank you!
So there you have it. Like I said I appreciate the concerted effort on Chili’s part and who knows what the future will bring. Perhaps one day I will walk through those red pepper doors and enjoy a black bean burger, Chili’s style.










