Applebee’s argued that its Really Big Meal Deal is a better value than Chili’s version. | Photo courtesy of Applebee’s
A battle for meal-deal supremacy is brewing between the nation’s two largest bar-and-grill chains.
The fight pits the established leader in casual-dining value meals—Chili’s $10.99 3 for Me combo—against a frisky newcomer, the $9.99 Really Big Meal Deal from Applebee’s.
It comes as Applebee’s looks to make up ground lost to the rival Chili’s, which has ridden its value message to impressive growth recently.
The competition this week spilled into public view on social media, where the two chains exchanged words on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.
“$9.99 The Really Big Meal Deal >>>>> that other $10.99 deal,” Applebee’s posted on Friday, an obvious reference to Chili’s 3 for Me deal.
On Tuesday, Chili’s responded. “@ us next time,” the chain said. “don’t forget, our 3 for $10.99 comes with bottomless drinks, UNLIMITED chips and salsa, and a Big Smasher with …