Chili’s takes aim at fast food prices asking why customers let brands ‘play them’
Chili’s has seemingly started a war of words with a traditional fast-food institution, questioning why customers would ‘let’ brands ‘play them’ with sky-high prices.
On July 6, an X user who goes by the moniker @YellowFlashGuy took to social media to share the apparent price of a Burger King Bacon King Meal.
The fast-food order featured a burger with two flame-grilled patties, a ‘hearty portion’ of thick-cut smoked bacon, a slice of American cheese and a squirt of ketchup and mayonnaise to finish. All the items were sandwiched between a soft sesame seed bun.
In the picture, presumably taken on a menu screen, the burger came with a side of Burger King fries and a drink, totalling between 1,630 to 2,010 calories.
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According to the image, the meal would apparently set customers back by $18.19. For just the Bacon King burger? You would be expected to pay $12.99.
“Why should I get this when I could just go to a restaurant? The food would be close to this price, and better,” the X user questioned.
The now-viral post has caused controversy online, with many claiming they’ve been ‘talking about BK’s pricing strategy’ for a while.
“Thats what ive been saying for a while when it comes to Burger King,” one said.
“It is less expensive to go to Chili's and get a better burger than it is to go to Burger King!,” someone else replied.
However, a BK employee has weighed in, claiming that the price shared may not be accurate. They wrote: “Hate to say this but as someone currently employed by BK that def ain’t the price for the bacon king where I work closer to $12-$13.”
“This is probably at an airport and the restaurant there will probably cost around $40 for the same thing,” someone else reasoned.
According to Burger King, prices and participation vary by location. FOODbible has contacted the brand for comment.
Chili’s takes swipe at fast-food prices
The X post, which has been viewed more than 5.2 million times, has drawn the attention of Chili’s Grill & Bar.
The beloved American casual dining restaurant is famed for its fajitas, Baby Back ribs, quesadillas, and Chicken Crispers, an item favoured by celebrities including Joe Jonas, as per Delish.
In all capitals, Chili’s wrote: “This is what we’ve been saying,” followed by a stream of exclamation marks.
“Why do y’all let fast food play you like this?”
It continued: “Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich 3 for Me with fries, BOTTOMLESS chips and salsa and UNLIMITED drink for $10.99, only at Chili's.”
The deal has sparked conversation among fans, with many praising the company’s offerings.
“No one could ever make me hate Chilis,” one typed while a second said: “Sounds great! There is a Chili's just down I-10 from me and now I'm going to go check it out! GREAT TWEET!”
“Chili’s = Great food and excellent service. All at a reasonable price. Love Chili’s!,” another responded.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the Texas-based chain said its Burger King swipe was nothing new; it has been ‘playfully taking aim at fast food over the last few years’.
Chili’s is potentially heading to Britain
Earlier this year, it was revealed that the Tex-Mex favourite had set its sights on opening in the UK.
According to a post on the Franchising Centre’s site, the restaurant could serve as the ‘perfect opportunity for high net worth individuals to expand their portfolio with an exciting and rewarding new business venture'.
The news comes amid more US openings being planned, including Jersey Mike’s and Raising Cane's, which is set to open its flagship in London sometime this year.
Topics: Fast Food, Burger King
Ella Scott