by Here’s the expanded 600-word version of your Chili’s article rewritten in your HOA-style format — location-led intro, all H2 headings, bold key facts, natural hyperlinks, and ending with a CTA linking to racedaylive.com:
Dallas, TX – Chili’s Brings Back Fan-Favorite Skillet Queso After Social Media Backlash
After weeks of outcry from loyal customers, Chili’s Grill & Bar has officially announced that its beloved Skillet Queso will be returning to the menu. The decision comes after a wave of fan frustration online, sparked by the restaurant’s recent menu changes that eliminated two popular cheese dips.
Chili’s Faces Backlash Over Menu Change
The controversy began on October 7, when the casual dining chain started rolling out a new dish — the Southwestern Queso — while removing both the Skillet Beef Queso and White Skillet Queso from its lineup.
At the time, Chili’s told Fox News Digital that the new queso was crafted with “American and cheddar cheeses blended with fire-roasted green chilies, onions, and a hint of lime for bold, craveable flavor.” But while the new item was meant to freshen up the menu, many longtime customers felt the restaurant had removed a staple dish that defined the Chili’s experience.
Within days, social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, were flooded with passionate complaints from fans mourning the loss of their favorite appetizer.
“Hey @Chilis, I’m not a big complain-on-social-media guy, but the fact that you took your skillet queso off the menu is a national DISGRACE,” one customer wrote in a viral X post that received nearly 8,000 likes.
Others echoed similar sentiments, calling the decision “unforgivable” and demanding the chain reverse course immediately.
Chili’s Responds: “We Hear You”
Chili’s, known for its humorous and engaging online presence, took notice of the uproar and responded with a tongue-in-cheek Instagram post on October 28.
“We tried to killet, but you love the skillet,” the post read, referencing the play on words between “kill it” and “skillet.”
The caption continued, “OKAY WE HEAR YOU, and we hate when y’all are mad at us. We’re working on bringing Skillet Queso back to Chili’s very soon. Stay tuned for a date.”
The quick and lighthearted response appeared to win customers back almost instantly. Fans filled the comment section with relief and excitement.
“Genius marketing once again! I knew it was never going away!” one user wrote.
“Best news I’ve ever heard!! We can go back now!” another added.
Skillet Queso’s Return Confirmed
A Chili’s spokesperson confirmed that the Skillet Beef Queso will indeed be returning to restaurants soon. While no specific date was provided, the spokesperson reassured guests that the fan-favorite dip would be making a comeback alongside the newer Southwestern version.
“A big part of Chili’s DNA is listening to guests,” the spokesperson said. “After hearing from many of our long-term guests about their love for the original Skillet Beef Queso, we’ve decided there’s still room for two quesos on the menu.”
That means fans can expect to see both the classic Skillet Queso and the new Southwestern Queso available side by side — giving diners the best of both worlds.
Other Fan Favorites Still Missing
While queso lovers are celebrating, not every Chili’s fan got good news. The chain has also recently removed several popular menu items, including the Kids Pepperoni Pizza, Kids Cheese Quesadillas, and the Mini Molten dessert — decisions that have sparked additional frustration online.
Several parents voiced disappointment, saying their children’s go-to meals had vanished from the menu.
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“Now that they are taking the quesadilla off, they have taken everything my son would eat off the menu,” one user lamented. “First the oranges, then the corn on the cob, and now the quesadilla.”
Others pointed out that the Mini Molten dessert was a perfect option for smaller appetites.
“I’m not letting my kid have a full Molten; that’s way too much,” one parent wrote. “The Mini Molten was perfect for the two of us to share.”
A Lesson in Listening to Customers
Chili’s reversal on its queso lineup underscores how powerful customer feedback can be in shaping corporate decisions. Within weeks, an online movement led to the reinstatement of a dish that’s been a Chili’s staple for decades.
As the chain works to balance new menu innovations with fan expectations, one thing is clear — listening to customers remains key to brand loyalty.
What do you think — was Chili’s right to bring Skillet Queso back? Share your thoughts in the comments at race-day-live.com.
