Chili's has pulled off one of the biggest turnarounds in casual dining, and CEO Kevin Hochman says the strategy behind it isn't complicated. The chain has had steady sales growth over the past four years since Hochman took over as president of parent company Brinker International, which also owns the Italian casual-dining chain Maggiano's. "It's two things," Hochman told Business Insider of the company's growth. "We have a saying here: marketing brings them in, and ops brings them back." In other words, flashy ads and viral menu items like the chain's cheese-pulling mozzarella sticks and Triple Dipper appetizer combo, which accounted for 14% of Chili's total sales in early 2025, are a good way to bring customers through the door. Read more about what Hochman says is working for the restaurant chain at the link in our bio. Story by Erin McDowell (Credit: Chili's Grill & Bar; Shutterstock) #Chilis #casualdining #restaurantsuccess #foodindustry #marketingstrategy