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No More Chili's in Fort Wayne: Popular Chain Restaurant Closes Second Store This Year

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Closed Signage
Pixabay/GerdAltmann

Chili's, the well-known restaurant chain, has revealed plans to permanently close another one of its beloved locations in just a few days. This announcement marks a challenging start to 2024 for Chili's, famous for offering great deals on appetizers and various comfort foods.

Chili's Closes Second Location in Days

Last week, Chili's announced the imminent closure of another restaurant. This news comes as a disappointment for fans in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They will miss the free chips, salsa, and well-loved fried chicken, with the closure effective after February 20, as reported by CBS affiliate WANE.

The Chili's at 317 E Coliseum Boulevard is set to shut down, as confirmed by Kristen Bennett, the Director of Corporate Communications for Chili's, to local journalists.

This closure follows closely on the heels of the company's recent shutdown of its Charlotte, North Carolina location last month.

The specific reasons behind the closure of the Chili's in Fort Wayne have not been officially disclosed. However, in a discussion on the Reddit community r/FortWayne, residents have been speculating about possible causes for the restaurant's shutdown.

Many in Fort Wayne have observed that Chili's location has struggled with subpar service and a decreasing number of customers. A resident noted in the online discussion, "In the last 10+ years, the parking lot has rarely had more than a few cars."

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Locals Share Discontent with Chili's Service

Waiter serving
Unplash/KateTownsend

Residents of Fort Wayne have expressed little surprise at the news of Chili's closing. One person recalled a visit from a couple of years ago, criticizing the poor service:

"The servers and waitresses were just on their phones all the time. We barely got any refills, and both the food and service were terrible," they shared.

Another local echoed this sentiment, describing their recent experiences as "epically bad service," including dropping trays of food and forgetting entire meals.

In a related development, a major department store with nearly 300 outlets has also announced its closure, following Chili's in shutting its doors after failing to deliver on its promises.

Some residents feel a sentimental loss. "It's sad to see it go. My husband and I had our first date there," a person commented, reflecting on the closure's impact.

Despite the closure in Fort Wayne, Indiana, it still hosts 21 other Chili's locations. However, Chili's has not yet responded to The U.S. Sun's request for comments on the closure.

Chili's Offers a Variety of Flavorful Favorites

Chili's menu is a testament to its variety, offering something for everyone. A popular choice is the Chicken Fajitas, which comes with rice and beans, tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

For pasta lovers, there's the Ultimate Cajun Pasta, a delightful mix of grilled chicken and shrimp tossed with penne in Alfredo sauce, sprinkled with chile spices, shredded Parmesan, tomatoes, and green onions, accompanied by garlic toast.

Meat enthusiasts can savor the Surf & Turf Sirloin, a 10oz steak seasoned and topped with garlic butter, accompanied by a dozen shrimp, loaded mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli. For those who prefer poultry, the 5ct Crispy Crisper Combo offers crispy chicken tenders served with white cheddar mac & cheese, fries, ranch, and two dipping sauces of one's choice.

Chili's also presents the Triple Dipper, a chance to enjoy a trio of favorites: Big Mouth Bites, Crispy Chicken Crispers, and Southwestern Eggrolls. This variety reflects Chili's commitment to catering to diverse tastes, as detailed on the Chili's website.

Related Article: Lidl's Inability to Capitalize in Area Leads to Surprising Store Shutdown

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