Baby back booths: Chilis brings back its iconic retro look in restaurant redesign

Baby Back Ribs made Chili’s famous.Now, it’s the baby back booths making a comeback.The iconic casual dining chain is serving up a hefty side of nostalgia this year, rolling out a retro-inspired glow-up that revives the signature red booths, colorful décor and quirky details that made Chili’s a ’90s dining institution.The nationwide overhaul comes after the casual dining giant spent the past several years sharpening its menu and improving service. Now, it’s turning its attention to the restaurant experience itself.According to a company fact sheet, as per Fox News Digital, “The guiding idea behind the project was simple: ‘Make Chili’s More Chili’s.'”In other words: if it ain’t broke, bring it back.The refreshed design takes cues from Chili’s original Greenville Avenue restaurant in Dallas, along with the vibrant Southwestern-inspired aesthetic that longtime fans may remember from the chain’s heyday.But the makeover isn’t just some quick fresh coat of paint or anything.The retro refresh will welcome the return of Chili’s signature red booths, tile tabletops and beaming neon bar areas.Behind the bar, expect larger horseshoe layouts, extra TVs and can’t-miss signs pointing to a “Margarita Bar.”The redesign wasn’t dreamed up overnight.Sharp-eyed diners will spot plenty of nods to the company’s past, including framed sheet music for the infectious baby back ribs jingle.They’ll also find the original 1975 menu along with wallpaper featuring tortilla-chip UFOs beaming up chili peppers and margarita-filled swimming pools.Before taking the concept nationwide, Chili’s tested multiple versions at four restaurants in the Dallas area, where executives could easily gather customer feedback and fine-tune the look before giving it the green light.The first remodeled locations outside Texas reopened July 1 in Fayetteville, Arkansas; Monrovia, California; Kennesaw, Georgia; Lake Charles and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Greensboro, North Carol...