Chili’s is closing, what’s next?

Elena Gutowski, Contributing Writer

Chili’s Bar & Grill on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus is closing its doors on May 10 after 16 years of operation, according to the VCU Dine website.

“Chili’s will be closing on May 10th. Thank you for your support over the past 16 years. It has been a pleasure serving you,” stated the VCU Dine website.

Chili’s Bar & Grill is the first full-service restaurant at VCU. The restaurant serves fresh mex creations, baby back ribs and sirloin steaks in a casual atmosphere, according to the VCU Dine website.

The restaurant first opened its doors on Sept. 17, 2008, after the $43.7 million construction of Cary & Belvidere Residential College, the final building completing Phase I of the Monroe Park Campus Addition, according to a 2008 VCU News article. The new residential building was set to feature a Chili’s restaurant, Starbucks coffee store, and Cary Street Market and Deli on the first floor, according to the same article.

Both the Starbucks and Cary Street Market and Deli have since closed, with the Market and Deli being replaced by AVO, according to a 2021 VCU News article. Chili’s will be the last original Cary & Belvidere eatery to close permanently.

Despite the closure of Chili’s in the same building, there are no plans to close AVO Kitchen at this time, VCU Dining Services’ communications specialist, Anna Obermiller, confirmed in an email statement to the Commonwealth Times.

Obermiller stated in the email the plan to move VCU Catering into the Chili’s space is not finalized.

“We are looking at options that take into consideration annual sales, transaction counts, and where space is needed to provide service where the majority of the students are eating their meals,” Obermiller stated.

When asked if there are any plans for new offerings or enhancements for the Shafer Court Dining Center in light of this change, Obermiller confirmed an expansion of culinary options, including Chili’s-inspired cuisine.

“Based on a survey sent to Chili’s customers, we are going to feature Chili’s-inspired food at Shafer,” Obermiller stated.

Additionally, a plant-based food station is in the works which will expand the vegan and vegetarian options at Shafer, Obermiller stated. The station will offer a variety of raw and roasted seasonal vegetables, legumes, whole grains and meat alternatives. VCU Dine will also include a daily vegan entrée special.

Obermiller said the station would help “provide us with the outlet to meet the ever-changing needs of students.”

More enhancements are also being tested like more in-house made desserts and pizza dough and pasta made from scratch.

Mmad Dembele, a fourth-year student double majoring in forensic science and chemistry, said Chili’s is well-known on campus. They said the restaurant’s location is inconvenient for student traffic and there are more options closer to the core of campus.

“I feel that the Chili’s has been a staple even though it’s kind of out of the way,” said Dembele. “All the other food is right by the library and the freshman dorms, and then the upperclassmen dorms have stuff all around it, including the Panda Express which sees a lot of traffic. So, I don’t really think that it had a chance to begin with.”

Syed Rizvi, a fourth-year student majoring in public relations, expressed sympathy for Chili’s employees and loyal diners.

“I feel bad for all the workers and all the people that are directly impacted by it, and probably also the avid customers and loyalties,” Rizvi said.

Rizvi also proposed ideas for the vacant space in the Shafer Court Dining Center, including healthier food options on campus, he said.

“I wish there was a bit more of an assortment or a variety of food. Something a bit, personally, healthy. There’s a lot of fast food options here,” Rizvi said.