It’s Just Wings and Chili’s are two popular American restaurant chains that specialize in serving chicken wings. At first glance, they may seem very similar – after all, wings are their specialty. However, there are some key differences between It’s Just Wings and Chili’s in terms of their menu, style, and branding.
Background on It’s Just Wings
It’s Just Wings is a virtual restaurant brand owned and operated by Brinker International, the company behind Chili’s Grill & Bar. It was launched in 2020 as a delivery-only and takeout concept during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s Just Wings locations are actually run out of existing Chili’s kitchens, allowing the company to leverage existing infrastructure and staff.
The menu at It’s Just Wings focuses on – you guessed it – wings. Customers can choose from traditional or boneless wings with a variety of sauces and dry rubs. The wings can be ordered in quantities of 6, 12, or 24 pieces. Sides like fries, coleslaw, and ranch are available to complement the wings.
Background on Chili’s
Chili’s Grill & Bar is a casual dining restaurant chain that has been around since 1975. With over 1,600 locations globally, Chili’s is known for its Baby Back Ribs and sizzling fajitas. However, wings have always been a part of the Chili’s menu.
Chili’s offers bone-in and boneless wings with 9 different sauces and 5 dry rub flavors to choose from. The wings come in portions of 6 or 12 pieces. Chili’s also serves other classic American dishes like burgers, ribs, and seafood. There is a full bar offering margaritas and other alcoholic drinks.
Comparing Menus
While both It’s Just Wings and Chili’s offer traditional and boneless wings, there are some menu differences:
Sauces & Rubs
It’s Just Wings | Chili’s |
---|---|
8 wing sauces | 9 wing sauces |
5 dry rubs | 5 dry rubs |
It’s Just Wings has 8 signature wing sauces ranging from mild to very hot. Chili’s has most of the same typical Buffalo, BBQ, and garlic Parmesan flavors but offers a couple additional unique options like Mango Habanero. Both places have around 5 dry rubs to choose from.
Sides
It’s Just Wings sides include fries, ranch, coleslaw, and celery. Chili’s has those options plus other appetizers like chips and queso, fried pickles, and chili con queso.
Other Menu Items
Since It’s Just Wings exclusively serves wings, there are no other main dishes available. Chili’s has a full menu with ribs, burgers, fajitas, seafood, salads, and more. Chili’s also serves alcoholic drinks whereas It’s Just Wings does not.
Dining Experience
The dining experience at these two restaurants is quite different:
It’s Just Wings
– Delivery/takeout only, no dine-in
– Order online or through delivery apps
– Food served in takeout containers and bags
– Virtual restaurant brand only
Chili’s
– Primarily dine-in with takeout option
– Can order at restaurant or online
– Full-service restaurant with tables, servers
– Also serves alcoholic drinks
– Familiar national casual dining chain
It’s Just Wings offers only off-premises dining options since it is a virtual restaurant with no physical storefronts. Chili’s is a full-service casual dining restaurant where you can sit down, order from a server, and enjoy your meal in their restaurant.
Branding Differences
Despite being operated by the same parent company, there are obvious differences in the branding between It’s Just Wings and Chili’s:
It’s Just Wings
– Delivery/takeout focus
– Minimal branding and packaging
– Virtual restaurant with online presence only
– Food served in plain takeout bags and boxes
Chili’s
– Casual dining focus
– Southwestern-style interior decor
– Branded logo apparel on servers
– Food served on Chili’s branded dishware
– In-restaurant merchandising and signage
It’s Just Wings has very minimal branding since it is a virtual restaurant. Chili’s locations have Bold southwestern-style interiors reflecting their branding. Servers wear Chili’s shirts and food is served on Chili’s plates and in branded to-go bags.
Conclusion
While It’s Just Wings and Chili’s restaurants both serve wings using the same kitchens and ingredients, they ultimately provide very different overall experiences. It’s Just Wings offers a limited takeout-only menu specialized around wings, while Chili’s is a full-service casual dining restaurant with a much broader menu. With its national presence and familiar branding, Chili’s seeks to provide consistent dining experience that It’s Just Wings does not aim to match given its delivery-centric virtual restaurant model. However, for those simply craving wings delivered straight to their door, It’s Just Wings fills that niche.