Chili’s sold nearly 30 million margaritas last year — and a $6 favorite stands out

Summary

Chili's sold nearly 30 million margaritas in 2025, driven by frozen options and its six-dollar monthly promotion. The casual dining chain continues to expand beverage offerings despite an isolated safety issue in North Carolina.

Key Takeaways

1. Chili's recorded nearly 30 million margarita sales in 2025, supported by frozen drinks accounting for a quarter of total category volume.
2. The chain leverages a rotating six-dollar Margarita of the Month promotion and a digital badge club to encourage repeat customer visits.
3. A temporary permit suspension at a North Carolina unit occurred after cleaning solution was accidentally mixed into drinks, causing burns to three customers.

Statement Breakdown

• Claimed Facts: 75% of statements the article presents as facts
• Opinions: 25% of statements classified as editorial or subjective
• Claims: 0% of statements surfaced for additional reader evaluation

Credibility & Bias Reasoning

Credibility assessment: The reporting relies on coverage from industry trade publication Nation's Restaurant News and direct quotes from a marketing executive. Claims regarding historical sales and menu launches reflect company disclosures. Details of an unrelated safety incident cite findings from local public health officials.

Bias assessment: Brand-Focused Lifestyle Reporting. The article uses appreciative consumer framing, describing menu prices as a steal and highlighting promotional features. However, it incorporates external business reporting and briefly notes a recent contamination incident involving local health authorities.

Note: Relies primarily on industry trade reporting and company marketing statements.

Credibility flag: Secondary Reporting

Claimed Facts (3)

• Reports beverage sales volume based on trade publication coverage.
• Details historical menu pricing and current beverage sales distribution.
• Reports findings from regional public health authorities regarding customer injuries.

Opinions (2)

• Presents a corporate marketing evaluation of brand identity and customer experience.
• Expresses an authorial value judgment comparing restaurant drink prices.

Key Sources

• Nation's Restaurant News — Foodservice industry trade publication
• Mary Ellen Scott — Senior Marketing Director at Chili's
• Deirdre Bardolf — Fox News lifestyle reporter and article author
• North Carolina health officials — State and local public health regulators