New Chili’s planned for developing area of Manatee County area, records say
A national restaurant brand famous for its casual southwestern cuisine is planning a new location in Manatee County.
Chili’s, which has a popular jingle for its baby back ribs, filed paperwork to build a roughly 5,400-square-foot restaurant inside the Robinson Gateway Development in Palmetto.
If approved, the restaurant would be built on the northwest corner of Moccasin Wallow Road and 71st Avenue.
The proposed Chili’s will seat more than 150 diners and feature 110 parking spots, including six designated to-go parking spaces.
It would mark the fourth Chili’s restaurant in Manatee County. The existing three locations are at 3715 First St., Bradenton; 6010 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton and 6125 Exchange Way, Lakewood Ranch.
The proposed Chili’s address is 9911 Robinson Gateway Drive, Unit 105. A McDonald’s, Panera Bread and dental office are also planned for the area, according to building records.
What’s popular on the menu?
Chili’s popular menu items include sizzling fajitas, baby back ribs, burgers, triple dipper appetizer and crispy chicken crisper combo.
Larry Levine founded Chili’s in 1975 in Dallas, Texas. In 1983, the restaurant was sold to Norman Brinker, who added sizzling fajitas a year later and baby back ribs in 1986, according to The Takeout.
By 1999, the popular jingle hit Hollywood with Mike Myers singing, “I want my baby back, baby back, baby back … Chili’s, baby back ribs,” in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
