Why an Airport Chili’s Hits Different
Everyone loves to discover the suburban staple near their gate.
There are, by the restaurant chain's own accounting, 1,237 Chili's locations across the US. Of those, only 22 are located in airports. That's less than 2%.
That fact alone, which speaks to the rarity of airport Chili's, might explain why catching sight of such an establishment (which even flaunts a dedicated Instagram fanpage) gives many people goosebumps. But that alone can't fully explain the reaction many dedicated fans have to experiencing this specific combination of brand and location.
On TikTok, a video recently went viral for signaling this exact emotional response. "When you're walking through the terminal and see one of these rare airport gems," reads the overtext. Then, the camera pans to an airport Chili's. "You know it when you see it," reads the caption.
In the comment section, fellow airport Chili's lovers rave about the restaurants' existence. "Beers just taste better at the airport Chili's for some reason," says one fan. "Airport Chili's always hits different for some unexplainable reason," agrees another one.
In addition to their unicorn-like reputation, what makes airport Chili's so good? Arguably, among other factors, it's their familiarity. Chili's are a suburban staple, and even if you grew up and moved to a big city, there is probably a nostalgic attachment, like running into an old friend.
Chili's itself agrees, and attributes the popularity of its airport locations to that "home away from home" feeling.
"We know that guests love our fan-favorite dishes like the Triple Dipper, Chicken Crispers, Molten Chocolate Cake and more, so why wouldn’t you want to find them in an airport?" a Chili's spokesperson told Thrillist. "The same things that people love about Chili’s—great food, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere—are exactly what you’ll find at the airport version, and sometimes that consistent reminder of home is what you need while traveling."
And so your Chili's beer tastes better. Scientifically, that tracks. Recent studies have suggested that there is a link between moral satisfaction and taste. That is, if you feel good and comfortable overall, your food will likely taste better, as your sensory experience will be boosted.
Just like an oasis in the desert, for many travelers an airport Chili ends up being better than the regular brick-and-mortar deal because it's a shielded nook of comfort within a seemingly lawless and chaotic place. It's surprising, it's calming, and it just hits different. That's the perfect recipe to a successful airport experience.
Other travelers will tell you the same. "There's something magical about a flat beer and some queso while waiting to connect," said an airport Chili's aficionado. On that note, another Chili's fan has a pitch: "There needs to be a Chili's in every single airport." And quite frankly, I agree.