Chili's permanently closes store doors for good and issues worrying update on expired lease after 'temporary extensions' | 0822E2G | 2024-04-26 17:08:02
A CHILI'S restaurant shut its doors for good as locals mourn the loss despite hearing of what will replace the bar and grill.
The eatery located in Irvine, California shut up shop on April 16 after a drawn-out end.
Fans were informed of the closure with a notice taped to the outside of the restaurant.
"Chili's lease at Westpark Plaza expired at the end of 2020," the sign read, according to the Orange County Register.
The notice stated that the location stayed open due to numerous lease extensions but these were temporary.
Brinker International, the company that owns Chili's then decided to permanently close the location this month.
However, a replacement has already been chosen and locals can look forward to another restaurant taking its place.
"We are pleased to announce a family-owned dining restaurant will open in this location early next year," the notice on the building said.
No further information about the incoming restaurant has been given.
However, some residents believe that the closure of Chili's Irvine location is a bad sign for the future of the chain.
The closure of the location that had been in Irvine for almost 30 years follows the closure of an Aliso Viejo Chili's that closed in September 2023.
As well as this, the bar and grill in Paso Robles, California also shuttered last summer following a "quick announcement" by bosses.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> "Looks like Chili's or Applebee's are going extinct the way of the dinosaurs," one local wrote on Facebook following news of the latest closure.
"They are all closing…" another added.
Others mourned the loss as they reminisced about happier times.
"So sad….I used to meet my parents there for dinner every Saturday," one said.
Another called it a "travesty" saying, "I LOVED that location."
Meanwhile, some are looking forward to the replacement restaurant, hoping that it will fill a void in the area.
<p class="article__content--intro"> BOSSES at major dining chains have announced a series of restaurant closures. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of the chain's affected. </p> </div> </div> "One drawback about Irvine- No Mom and Pop restaurants and others can't make it here," a resident of the city said.
However, they added that the financial backing large chains receive is a "serious problem" for these family-run and independent businesses.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Chili's for comment.
Meanwhile, a popular burger joint in San Jose has closed its doors for good after 70 years in business.
The final day of operation on Tuesday saw fans line up around the building in a bid to get a final treat from the restaurant.
The co-owner of the business whose father launched it back in the 1950s with his partners has revealed the one thing he is going to miss.
More >> https://ift.tt/dwBGYMl Source: MAG NEWS
