Chili's Grill & Bar has added another bundled meal deal, this time at lunch, with the introduction of $6, $7, and $8 combo meals.
The lunch combos, a permanent addition to the 1,500-unit chain’s menu, include soup or salad, half a sandwich or other entrée, and fries. The deal is offered Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chili's said Wednesday.
Chili's was among many casual-dining chains that offered discounted bundled meals during the recession in order to drive traffic. At one point, Chili's offered a $20 three-course meal for two that included a shared appetizer, two entrées and a shared dessert. A two-course version of the $20 deal, which omits dessert, remains on the menu, according to Chili's website.
The new lunch combos come as many restaurants continue to balance price increases with expectations on consumer spending. Most respondents to a recent survey by NRN.com said they plan to raise prices this year. However, a survey by AlixPartners indicated that many consumers remain value conscious and plan to cut how much they spend per meal this year.
EARLIER:
NRN a.m. 2011 Restaurant Operator Survey
Survey: Consumers still focused on price
Chili's new lunch combos range in price from $6 to $8, depending on which entrée is selected.
The $6 combo includes a Southwestern BLT, a New Classic Turkey or Grilled Ham & Cheese sandwich. For $7, customers can get two Big Mouth Burger Bites, Bacon Ranch Quesadillas or an Over-the-Top Cobb Salad. The $8 combo entrée options are Cajun Chicken Pasta, a California Club or a Fajita Chicken Toasted Sandwich.
Chili’s said it still offers Bottomless Express Lunch meals of soup, salad, chips and salsa, for around $7.
Chili's is a division of Dallas-based Brinker International Inc.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
