Chili’s Grill & Bar recently made a smart change to one of its most popular menu items. The move helped the company save a lot of money, and surprisingly, no one even noticed the difference.
Kevin Hochman, the CEO of Chili’s, He explained how Chili’s is managing to attract more customers while many of its competitors are struggling to keep their doors open. One of the big reasons for their success, according to Hochman, is that they are finding clever ways to cut costs without affecting the customer experience.
How Chili’s Changed the Oldtimer Burger (Without Customers Realizing)
During a leadership meeting, the kitchen staff brought out two burgers for the executive team to taste. Each executive tried to figure out what was different between the two. Some thought it was the burger patty. Others guessed the cheese had changed. Some even thought the buns were toasted differently.
In reality, the only change was the pickles on top of the burger.
The original pickles used at Chili’s weren’t anything fancy in terms of taste. But they were packaged in huge five-gallon jugs that looked like something a painter might use. Getting pickles out of those containers was a big hassle. It involved using a special tool, took about a minute to open, and often created a messy situation in the kitchen.
The kitchen staff suggested switching to a simpler pickle option: normal jars where you can simply twist off the lid. This change would not only make things easier for cooks but would also save the company a significant amount of money.
According to Hochman, making the swap to regular pickle jars saved Chili’s more than half a million dollars. And the best part? Customers didn’t even notice.
Saving Time, Reducing Mess, and Boosting Profits
The pickle change might seem small, but it’s part of a much bigger strategy Chili’s is using to stay profitable. By cutting small costs across their operations, they can save millions of dollars over time.
Not only does switching to easier pickle jars save money, but it also speeds up food preparation and reduces kitchen mess. When kitchen staff can work faster and cleaner, service becomes better for customers, too.
This kind of operational improvement helps Chili’s stay competitive. While other restaurants are closing locations, Chili’s is actually thinking about expanding.
Small Changes, Big Results
What’s important to understand is that saving a few seconds here and a few dollars there can add up quickly across hundreds of restaurants. Hochman explained that these small changes are helping Chili’s buck the industry trend. While many other casual dining brands are struggling, Chili’s is attracting more diners and strengthening its business.
The company’s focus on smart, efficient changes — rather than big, risky moves — is setting it apart. Hochman’s team is carefully reviewing every part of their operations, from kitchen prep work to menu design, to find savings without sacrificing quality.
Why You Probably Didn’t Notice
Most customers focus on the overall experience — taste, service, and atmosphere. They aren’t likely to notice something as specific as which brand of pickles is on their burger.
That’s why these small, behind-the-scenes changes work so well. As long as the food tastes great and the service is fast, guests leave happy. Chili’s understands this, and they’re using that knowledge to their advantage.
Chili’s Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, Chili’s plans to keep this momentum going. Hochman said that while they are excited about potential expansion, they are also staying careful. Their main focus is continuing to find smart, simple ways to improve.
For example, Hochman’s leadership team is always open to ideas from the kitchen staff. After all, it was a simple suggestion from the cooks that led to a half-million-dollar savings on pickles.
By staying connected to the people who are on the front lines — the cooks, servers, and restaurant managers — Chili’s is finding practical ways to strengthen the business and keep customers happy.
Final Thoughts
In a time when many restaurants are struggling to survive, Chili’s is showing that small smart changes can make a big difference. The pickle story is a perfect example of how thinking creatively about even the smallest details can help a company thrive.
By focusing on savings that don’t affect the customer experience, Chili’s is protecting its brand and making sure it stays strong for years to come.
And if you order an Oldtimer with Cheese the next time you visit, now you’ll know — the pickles might be different, but the burger is just as delicious.
