Chili’s Challenged Joey Chestnut to an Eating Contest on X. But Who Really Benefits?

Chili’s has announced a new promotion with competitive eater Joey Chestnut, in which the personality is challenged to find the bottom of the new 3 for Lunch Combos. The casual dining chain has shared that this eating contest will take place on X, a social media platform that has been faltering in recent months thanks to the string of snafus committed by CEO Elon Musk. Who will really benefit from the new promotion?

Chili’s x Joey Chestnut

A press release announcement revealed that the casual dining chain is putting professional eating champion Joey Chestnut to the test by asking him to discover the bottom of one of Chili’s 3 for Lunch Combos. It seems like an impossible task.

He will earn the 3 for Lunch Golden Basket Belt — which gives him lunch money and bragging rights for a year — if he can defeat one of Chili’s 3 for Lunch Combos. And Chili’s says that if Joey doesn’t win, its customers can: If Joey loses, Chili’s will provide its patrons with a chance to win the 3 for Lunch Golden Basket Belt, along with a year’s worth of free 3 for Lunch Combos.

“I’ve competed in just about any eating contest you can think of, but the Chili’s 3 for Lunch Combo is no joke,” said Joey Chestnut in a statement accompanying the press release. “This challenge isn’t about speed, it’s about endurance. I’ve pushed my boundaries to the limit this year, beating my personal bests, but Chili’s 3 for Lunch Combo with bottomless chips and salsa? That’s a whole different beast.”

The outcome of Joey’s epic man versus food match will be revealed on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. To find out if Joey Chestnut or a fortunate patron will win the 3 for Lunch Golden Basket Belt and free 3 for Lunch Combos for a year, fans may watch him compete on X (@chilis) at 10 a.m. CST.

As a brand, Chili’s is pleased to describe itself as a friendly, casual dining chain. “We are known for our Big Mouth Burgers, Chicken Crispers, full-on sizzling fajitas, and hand-shaken margaritas,” the company said in the press release. “We take our food seriously — but not ourselves — because dining out should feel like a celebration even if there is nothing to celebrate. Our passion is making everyone feel special, and every day, our ChiliHeads make it their job to spread #ChilisLove across almost 1,600 restaurants in 27 countries and 2 territories.”

3 for Lunch Combos Are a Great New Deal

Chili’s promotion with Joey Chestnut is, at the end of it all, a way to promote its newly expanded “3 for Me” Deal.

These lunch combos will be offered at participating locations on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time. With 11 selections to choose from, lunch may never be the same again.

American lunchtime mainstays, including burgers, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and fries, are all upgraded under the new agreement. The Big Smasher Burger and Chili’s Chicken Crispers, two menu staples, are still available.

A new entrée option, the Triple Dipper, has gone viral. Guests can sample it in addition to other fan favorites. Additionally, Chili’s is adding guacamole to its Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl at no additional cost.

“We believe that our 3 for Lunch Combos are not only better quality but offer bigger portions and more variety than what you’ll find in fast food,” said George Felix, Chili’s chief marketing officer, in a statement. “This extension of our 3 for Me menu to lunch continues to deliver great value in every sense of the word. We compared our entrées against what’s available in fast food, and we believe that the Chili’s 3 for Lunch Combos stand out — from the quality we offer, to the abundance of food and the price point.”