Chili's begins agency searchChili's begins agency search

DALLAS Chili's Grill & Bar has parted with longtime ad agency GSD&M of Austin, Texas, and has launched an agency search.

The move comes after last week's departure of Ken Thewes, vice president of marketing for the 1,300-plus-unit chain. Chili's has suffered from poor sales during the last several months, and same-store sales fell 5.1 percent for the four weeks ended Feb. 28. Parent company Brinker International has scheduled a conference call for Wednesday morning to discuss March sales and third-quarter earnings.

Atimetable for picking a new agency was not announced. GSD&M held the account, valued at about $120 million, for 20 years and created the Baby Back Ribs jingle.