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Savor The Moment: Could TikTok End Up Saving Chili’s?

Author Cort Freeman
Savor The Moment: Could TikTok End Up Saving Chili's? (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images For Chili's)

Could TikTok end up saving Chili’s? Their parent company appears to be saying so after they’ve seen a huge turn around in sales recently.

Some restaurants are having a hard time staying afloat these days. Once-popular chains like Red Lobster have had some financial troubles lately and have been shutting down stores across the country. For a while, it looked like Chili’s was going to suffer a similar fate until an appetizer went viral on TikTok.

Could TikTok End Up Saving Chili’s?

When you think of Chili’s several different things might come to mind. First, there’s the timeless jingle for Baby Back Ribs that seemingly everybody knows. If it’s for some reason slipped your mind, you can watch a video here. Additionally, you might think of The Office episode where Michael Scott and Jan have a business meeting at Chili’s which Michael describes as “the new golf course. It’s where business happens.” To everyone’s surprise, the person they’re meeting with ends up being a lot like Michael and they hit it off and end up closing the deal. Then, there are more appearances at Chili’s on The Office in other episodes like the one where they hosted “The Dundies” at the restaurant, and Pam is eventually banned for life.

What you might not have considered, is that the chain isn’t as popular as it was during the original run of The Office. Times have changed. Now, even fast-food chains are struggling to bring customers in and are creating all sorts of value meals and combos in an attempt to bring people back. Taco Bell is even testing a Nostalgic Menu with popular items from various decades!

According to CNBC, Chili’s same-store sales climbed nearly 15% in its latest quarter. That kind of growth puts the restaurant chain in some elite company, joining Chipotle and Wingstop. Meanwhile, rivals like Applebee’s and Outback Steakhouse have been seeing their same-store sales decline. Things seem to be coming together for the restaurant chain as their Triple Dipper appetizer went viral on TikTok a couple of months ago. According to CNBC, Kevin Hochman, CEO of parent company Brinker International, says that the Triple Dipper going viral on TikTok accounted for roughly 40% of the chain’s sales growth. That’s huge! That’s incredibly statistically significant that TikTok can be responsible for that large of growth. It really goes to show what the social media app can do for your and your brand or company.

@celinerrzz

Chili’s triple dipper is undefeated ❤️#chilis #whatiateatchillis #chilisrestaurant #chilismukbang #chilistripledipper #tripledipper

♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design

Now, they just need to hold onto these new customers. Will they be able to do it? Hopefully, because we need our delicious Baby Back Ribs and that amazing jingle.

Cort Freeman was born and raised in Metro Detroit. He was named Clarkston High School 2009 Class Clown 13 years after graduating. Totally normal thing to happen. That’s thanks to his time spent as an Intern at Comedy Central and Social Media Correspondent for The Colbert Report. Cort has done comedy across the country, both standing up and sitting down. When he’s not trying to make you laugh on-air and online, he’s probably at home enjoying his favorite shows like Seinfeld, South Park, and The Office. He’s also totally uncomfortable writing about himself in the third person. Cort enjoys writing about comedy, food, sports, and entertainment. So, basically anything and everything.

Are These The 5 Best Episodes Of 'The Office?'

What would you say are the best episodes of The Office? Everyone has their own opinion and list, but are there some we can all agree on?

The Office is without a doubt one of the greatest sitcoms of all-time. It was such a strong cast of characters who were all capable of making you laugh. Of course, nobody could do it quite like Michael Scott. There are so many iconic episodes and scenes to consider, but are these the 5 best episodes of The Office?

What Are The Best Episodes Of ‘The Office?’

While everybody has their favorite episodes of the show, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the “best.” There’s an important difference there. For example, my favorite episode of South Park is “AWESOM-O” but I wouldn’t say it’s the best or greatest episode of the show (that would probably belong to “Scott Tenorman Must Die“). So, we must understand the difference between our personal favorites and what’s the best. Personal biases must be put aside.

That was a challenge for me. Some of my favorite episodes and what I think are the best episodes of The Office aren’t going to make the list. I have to put my bias aside and consider what the majority would deem to be the best of the best. Unfortunately, that meant my favorite episode “Gossip” (Season 6 Episode 1) won’t be making the list. It kills me every time Michael calls Stanley’s wife. Every single time. Likewise, “Gay Witch Hunt” (Season 3 Episode 1) didn’t make the final 5 and will instead be an honorable mention. You really get a sense of Michael’s ignorance in that episode and it’s a great character builder that also has a ton of laughs at Michael’s expense.

Despite a few of my favorite episodes not being included on the list, I stand by the final 5. I think the majority of fans would agree that these episodes deserve to be in the Top 10 and then where they fall within there is up for debate. I did do something kind of controversial, though. I’m counting the double-episodes as one episode. They’re the same thing, just broken up in two-halves for the sake of time. To me, and this list, they are considered one singular episode. Don’t like that? Create your own list! See what made the final 5 best episodes of The Office below! Do you agree?

Are These The 5 Best Episodes Of ‘The Office?’

  • Dinner Party (Season 4 Episode 13)

    I had to start the list with “Dinner Party.” You can’t talk about the best episodes of The Office without mentioning it. There are so many hilarious moments it feels like it’s just one after the other. Who could forget Michael’s infamous “Snip/Snap/Snip/Snap” and him totally botching the way he describes the wine. We learn a lot about Jan in the episode and get to see her true crazy side. There’s also Michael’s TV, his table, and more. It just might be the best episode of The Office.

  • Scott's Tots (Season 6 Episode 12)

    If you love cringe comedy, then you probably enjoyed the “Scott’s Tots” episode of The Office. Personally, I love it. However, some of my friends and family say it’s too cringeworthy to watch! They feel too bad for Michael. While I understand that, you can’t feel bad for Michael! He brought it on himself. It’s so funny watching him realize what’s about to happen and how he tries to get out of it. It’s one of those cool moments where we the audience know what’s about to happen but the characters in the scene don’t and they build it up so well. It’s pure Michael.

  • Stress Relief (Season 5 Episodes 14 and 15)

    There are so many great moments in this episode that live on today. Dwight putting the dummy’s face on his like Hannibal Lector remains a popular meme online. Michael singing the wrong part of “Stayin’ Alive.” Even the way they treat Stanley and botch his recovery is hilarious. Yes, it’s a two-parter but it’s worthy of being named one of the best episodes. It just doesn’t get old.

  • Diversity Day (Season 1 Episode 2)

    The Office was still finding its groove and developing the characters during Season 1. Michael was a bit more annoying, had a different haircut, and the rest of the crew wasn’t fully formed yet. Did Kevin even have a different voice? It sounds like it. However, there were still some gems in Season 1 that let us know this show was going to be funny. The best example of that comes with “Diversity Day” in Episode 2. It really shows Michael’s ignorance and how he places trying to be funny over being politically correct or appropriate in the workplace. Even once a professional comes in to train them, he still doesn’t understand what he did wrong and continues doing so. We really got a look at Michael Scott here.

  • Niagara (Season 6 Episodes 4 and 5)

    Was Jim and Pam’s wedding the best TV wedding ever? I think so! There was Michael and Pam’s mom, Kevin’s feet in the ice machine, and Andy’s unfortunate injury. So much happened in these episodes and it still lives on today. In a way, it’s different than a lot of other episodes because there’s a lot of emotion to go along with the humor. We’re finally seeing the greatest will they-won’t they of all-time get married! The show really delivered on the wedding episode(s) for TV’s greatest couple.

 

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Author Cort Freeman
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