“The only dress code at Chili's is that you have to be dressed,” the Chili’s X account wrote
Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Chili’s responded to Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s dress code by emphasizing its only rule: customers must be dressed
- Ruth’s Chris faced backlash for its business casual dress code, which bans items like gym wear and baseball caps
- Chili’s post sparked debate online, with some praising its inclusivity and others defending formal dining standards
Chili’s is assuring its customers that they can wear whatever they please.
The fast-casual chain responded to an X post about the dress code at Ruth’s Chris Steak House that recently went viral with its own take on dining apparel.
“The only dress code at Chili's is that you have to be dressed,” the Chili’s X account wrote.
The message was a departure from a notice posted on the Ruth’s Chris website that sparked backlash earlier this month.
“Business casual — proper attire required please,” the notice states.
“Kindly remove all hats when entering the restaurant,” the dress code continues. “Guests wearing ball caps are asked to dine in the bar/lounge.”
The guidance continues with a list of clothing items that are not permitted in the steakhouse’s dining rooms, which includes “gym wear, pool attire, tank tops, clothing with offensive graphics or language, revealing clothing or exposed undergarments.”
Credit: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty
In 2023, Ruth’s Chris was acquired by Darden Restaurants — which also owns Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse — for about $715 million.
Numerous commenters on Chili’s post praised the sentiment, with replies such as “I’d rather go to chilis” and “I totally support this.”
However, some defended the desire to look polished when eating out.
“I don’t think this post is going to be the selling point you think it is….,” one commenter wrote. “People are tired of the general abandonment of all standards in society and seeing full grown adults wear pajamas + crocs or sweatpants without a second thought.”
Another noted that “it's also nice to dress up for a very special meal.”
“Some occasions you'll want to look back upon 40 years later when they are impossible to recreate any longer,” the commenter wrote, citing a wedding anniversary as an example.”
The reply continued, “And, you'll remember the handsome man sitting across from you was wearing a Navy blue blazer with scrimshaw buttons. And, he will remember how your hair complemented your silk blouse. And, you will appreciate that you both savoured the moment when time was as sweet and plentiful as the wine that was poured. For that, there's @RuthsChris.”
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