Chili’s earnings report: Dallas, Texas restaurant company’s revenue is surging [Video]

DALLAS — Chili’s is apparently having a moment.

The Dallas-founded restaurant’s parent company, Brinker International, reported in an earnings report on Wednesday that sales at Chili’s have “accelerated” 31%, compared to previous marks, an increase that was driven by a nearly 20% increase in traffic to the chain’s numerous locations.

The earnings report was for Brinker’s second quarter, which was October through December, based on the company’s fiscal year calendar.

Chili’s saw an uptick in total revenue of about $281 million for the second quarter, compared to last year, climbing from $927.2 million to $1.208 billion. 

Brinker CEO and Chili’s president Kevin Hochman on the earnings call attributed Chili’s growth to “increased promotional activity” and marketing over the last three years.

“Marketing is doing a great job of bringing guests in and putting Chili’s back …