Prnewswire·2025-10-02 13:00Core Insights - Chili's Grill & Bar is launching a new menu item, Southwestern Queso, on October 7, 2025, after nearly two years of development, aiming to enhance its queso offerings [1][3][4] - The new Southwestern Queso will be available for free to My Chili's members from October 7 to October 21, allowing customers to experience what the company claims is the best queso available nationwide [2][5] Product Development - The Southwestern Queso replaces the previous Skillet Beef and White Skillet Queso, which each accounted for about 1% of sales, indicating a demand for improved queso options [3][4] - The new recipe features a blend of American and cheddar cheeses, fire-roasted green chilies, sweet onions, and a hint of lime, designed to provide a smooth texture and Southwestern flavors [4] Customer Engagement - Chili's conducted taste tests where nearly 70% of respondents preferred the new Southwestern Queso over the previous Skillet Beef Queso, demonstrating positive customer feedback [4] - The company emphasizes the importance of real-time feedback from guests and restaurant teams in the product development process [4] Menu Integration - Southwestern Queso will be offered as a standalone appetizer, part of the Dip Trio, or as a side with Sizzlin' Fajitas, and will also top the new Chicken Bacon Ranch Nachos [6]