VCU waves goodbye to Chili’s 16-year legacy: What now?

Jessica Holgado, Contributing Writer

After 16 years of serving up sizzling flavors and good times, it is hard to believe that Chili’s Bar & Grill at VCU is closing for good on May 10. Chili’s was the first full-service restaurant on campus, from the fresh mex creations to the baby back ribs and sirloin steaks that turned a simple meal into a feast, according to VCU Dining Services.

Their menu had something for everyone, whether you were looking for lighter choices, vegetarian options or something to indulge in. But let us not forget the star of the show, at least for me — the Triple Dipper. I will miss crafting the perfect combo of appetizers to share, or sometimes, to keep for myself. Chili’s was the go-to spot for study groups, first dates and those nights when cooking in the dorm just was not going to happen.

The closing of Chili’s is more than just the end of a restaurant; it is the end of a chapter for all of us who found a little bit of comfort in its familiar booths and friendly faces that greeted us. 

Now, as we face the reality of Chili’s closing, the question on everyone’s mind is: “What now?” What do we do with the space that was once a bustling hub of flavors and friendships? The space that Chili’s leaves behind will not stay empty for long.

There is a world of possibilities for VCU to turn Chili’s into something we will all love. Imagine transforming that space into a vibrant vegetarian restaurant — it is something we have been missing amidst all of the greasy food joints. A fresh, green eatery would be a welcome change, offering plant-based meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious.

And then there is the sweet side of things. Who would not love an ice cream bar? Sure, Shafer’s soft serve and ShakeSmart’s acai bowls hit the spot, but think about those late-night cravings for something decadently sweet. An ice cream bar could become the new go-to for anyone looking for that perfect scoop or sundae to end the night.

Maybe VCU could even bring back IHOP, especially if it takes over Chili’s spot. The previous setup in Laurel and Grace Place was tight, and the long waits just did not do justice to those pancake cravings. With a larger space dedicated to IHOP, there would be more room for everyone, which means faster service and an overall better vibe.

While the idea of new and different food choices is great, what if we transformed the old Chili’s into a student lounge? The Rams Lounge is cool, but it is like a well-kept secret that not enough of us know about. What if this new space had pool tables, arcade games and pinball machines? Add in some couches and cozy booths, and you’ve got the perfect spot to unwind between classes or hang out after hours. 

Moving on to something a bit more on the studious side, imagine if we turned Chili’s into a study lounge. We all know the struggle of finding a good study spot on campus. What if those comfy booths became our study havens? Tables where we can spread out our textbooks, laptops and endless cups of coffee. It would be a sanctuary for cramming, group projects or just quiet contemplation.

Chili’s could also become a space for student organizations. It could be our very own showcase spot where organizations set up booths, hold events and spread the word about what they do. Whether it is a cultural celebration, an art exhibit or a pop-up charity fundraiser, having a dedicated spot for student orgs would make our campus community even tighter.

The possibilities are endless for what VCU could do with the Chili’s spot. But what is really key here is making sure we have a space that is ours. A spot where every student, no matter what they are into, has a place to go to relax, study or get involved.