Local Chili’s redone! The renovation took only 18 days and it turned our Chili’s into a red hot pepper!
When store manager, EJ Lehman, took over two years ago the restaurant ranked 800 of 1500. Today, EJ has the rejuvenated Chili’s occupying an outstanding #2 position. (Yes, that’s out of all the Chili’s restaurants everywhere!) A lot has changed over the two year span; with EJ’s personable character and knowledgeable influence he has managed to take it to the next level. Sales are up, which helped pay for the impressive alterations. Customers can expect excellent service from the excited team and smiles seated around the new tables.
I took advantage of the opportunity to eat with my friend, Nature Humphries, at the newly revamped eatery and I’ll give it up to Chili’s. We hung ten, they really took care of us with great service, well-poured drinks and three impressive courses. The place offers an entire bar filled wall-to-wall with new flat screens and an there’s an experienced bartender always on staff. Gustavo, the barman with a story, flirtatiously served Nature and me two Corona-ritas—we figured while in Rome. He entertained us with stories from his past, his humorous perception on the dumb things people do and say in bars, of his dreams to walk as a monk, and an intriguing story of his long road that led to slinging drinks in big-small town Oxford. (Look for more on Gustavo in a future issue.)
Of course there’s a lot of charm to eating great food on The Square. But don’t forget to support the success of this venue on the other side of town. Sample one of the new triple dipper appetizers, savour in their signature sirloin steaks, or indulge in a sweet chocolate chip brownie pie. Who else offers 2-for-1 drinks, everyday? Lunches for $6, $7, or $8, or two-for-$20 meals at a place where you can watch every sports game on TV? And you’re instantly treated like family (or just the drunk uncle that’s socially accepted)?
Try Chili’s this Friday. A rejuvenated restaurant where friends, food, and drinks can be enjoyed on a new, refreshingly spacious realm.
This article was published in The Local Voice #154 (April 19-May 3, 2012)…Click here to download the PDF of issue #154.
