We’ve got bad news for fans of baby back ribs and cheese pulls: The (amongst some) iconic Chili’s at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) is closing.
The longtime MCO staple is set to close on December 31st, according to a statement released by the airport on social media.
Along with a video of the escalator up to the restaurant’s entrance and somewhat dramatically scored to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” (yes, really), the airport wrote, “We know Chili’s Grill & Bar is a longtime favorite for so many travelers who have taken the ‘stairway to heaven.’ Over the years, you’ve eaten countless gallons of queso and more. Now, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, as Chili’s will close its doors permanently on Dec. 31, 2025. We invite fans to visit Chili’s one last time. We’ve enjoyed our partnership with Chili’s and raise our glass in a final toast to all the good times shared.”
There are several Chili’s locations near Disney World, so if you really need your fix on a trip to Orlando, you’re all set.
While we’re pouring out a margarita in Chili’s, the restaurant’s closure doesn’t signal the end of dining at MCO. Far from it in fact, as a recently approved expansion of the MCO Concession Master Plan will bring more than 40 new retail and dining locations to MCO. These will arrive in phases.
Phase 1 Restaurants:
- 4Rivers Southern Smokehouse
- Black Bean Deli
- Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay
- BrewDog + Peet’s Coffee
- Cabrita
- Eola Wine Company
- Green Leaf’s
- Hinkley’s Fancy Meats
- Intercept Wine Bar
- Jam-Eng
- Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
- Otto’s High Dive
- Maxine’s on Shine
- MOD Pizza
- Old Jailhouse
- Seito Sushi
- Smoke & Donuts BBQ
- SoDough Detroit Pizza
- Stasio’s Italian Deli
- Starbucks
- The Halal Guys
- The Milkhouse
- Tobu
- Villa Pizza
- Zaza
Phase 2 Restaurants:
- Bahia Bowls
- Bricks & Bowls
- Cava
- Chick-fil-A
- Citrus Market featuring Winery and Tasting Room powered by Brewlando
- Crisp & Green
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
- Just Love Coffee Cafe
- McDonald’s
- Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill
- Panda Express
- Piggza
- Plum Market
- Raising Cane’s
- Sambazon
- Shake Shack
- Starbucks
- Velvet Taco
The traveler-favorite Chili’s at the Orlando International Airport is scheduled to close on December 31st as the airport’s array of dining options continues to evolve. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on all these new options coming to MCO.
Destination: Disney World! Flying To and From Orlando International Airport (MCO)
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