Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Chilly's Has No Clue!

amber-rose

By amber-rose
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

Recommended Posts

amber-rose Contributor
amber-rose
Posted

Today, my family were going to go eat somewhere, so they told me to pick a restraunt that served gluten-free food. I heard that Chili's has a gluten-free menu, so I called them, and it rang and rang and then someone picked up. I asked if they had a gluten-free menu. They responded by laughing at me, saying there was no such thing as a gluten-free menu. But there was a low-carb menu. So I requested to talk to a manager. I asked the manager, 'Do you have a gluten-free menu?' He said 'No we don't, no such thing exists.' So I got a little angry and responded, 'Well, you should really learn more about it. The Chili's website has a gluten-free menu!' But he just laughed, then I hung up on him.

So that afternoon, we went to Red Robins and I got a 'Lettuce Wrap Burger' It was so delicious!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


pegom1 Rookie
pegom1
Posted
Today, my family were going to go eat somewhere, so they told me to pick a restraunt that served gluten-free food. I heard that Chili's has a gluten-free menu, so I called them, and it rang and rang and then someone picked up. I asked if they had a gluten-free menu. They responded by laughing at me, saying there was no such thing as a gluten-free menu. But there was a low-carb menu. So I requested to talk to a manager. I asked the manager, 'Do you have a gluten-free menu?' He said 'No we don't, no such thing exists.' So I got a little angry and responded, 'Well, you should really learn more about it. The Chili's website has a gluten-free menu!' But he just laughed, then I hung up on him.

So that afternoon, we went to Red Robins and I got a 'Lettuce Wrap Burger' It was so delicious!

I had the same problem in Dover, Delaware on my way home from NC. I emailed the corporate office that night from my hotel-I was upset over the apathetic attitude of the hostess and the fact that the manager wouldn't come out of the kitchen to speak with me. I got a call the next day from corporate apologizing profusely with a promise to educate that manager and his staff. I encourage you to email them-and report the restaurant by location that needs to be educated.

LKelly8 Rookie
LKelly8
Posted

Chili's doesn't have a gluten-free menu. :o

The list of gluten-free items on the website is just that, a list of suggested menu items. You need to bring the list with you to places like that - McD's, Panera's, Wendy's, Subway, Carvel, etc. You'll also need to go back to the website every month or so to check for changes.

PF Changs, Legal Seafood, Bonefish Grill, Outback, they'll acutally hand you their own gluten-free menu. :)

Although, considering the rude response you got from that manager <_< , I'd take that Chili's off your "list" gluten-free or not.

momandgirls Enthusiast
momandgirls
Posted

Our local Chili's has something called an "allergy book." It's a three ring binder that has laminated pages in it - each page gives menu suggestions for all kinds of allergies - dairy free, gluten free, nut free, soy free, etc. I was under the impression that all Chili's had this protocol in place...

LKelly8 Rookie
LKelly8
Posted
Our local Chili's has something called an "allergy book." It's a three ring binder that has laminated pages in it - each page gives menu suggestions for all kinds of allergies - dairy free, gluten free, nut free, soy free, etc. I was under the impression that all Chili's had this protocol in place...

:blink: Wow! I had no idea. We've eaten at local (S FL) Chili's many times - with lists in hand, talked gluten-free with wait staff/manager - I've never seen the binder. I'll ask for it specifically next time. Thanks!

Guest nini
Guest nini
Posted

definitely complain to corporate, at the very least they shouldn't have laughed at you, that's just plain rude customer service...

I went to a Chili's in Tennesee once when we went to the aquarium there... the manager came out and was very helpful, I had my "guidelines" in my gluten-free dining guide book with me, but the manager was able to tell me that the chips were fried in the same oil as onion rings and that certain seasonings couldn't be guaranteed gluten-free... I was really careful about what I ordered and ate, but still managed to get ill... (at least the bathrooms at the Tennessee aquarium are nice!)... Chili's as a whole is a company that is on my "do not trust" list now... at least in my case they tried, but until more is done to educate the entire chain of restaurants, I wouldn't trust them.

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

from what I know, it is not corporate policy...there are many chili's that do not know about ingredients or provide the list. It may be that some have just taken the initiative themselves!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


TinkerbellSwt Collaborator
TinkerbellSwt
Posted

Wow this thread surprises the heck out of me. I have written several threads (ummm.. annoyingly so!) that the Chilis by me and around NJ have been great. Chilis does have a gluten free menu. The managers have to print them up on a computer that they have. Each month the menu may change. So Chilis tells us to ask for a new menu every time. Every manager I have come across has been knowledgeable. The hostesses usually have no clue. And usually my waiter doesnt either.

The management has always been so helpful. I have emailed many letters to corporate in praise of their staff. I am sorry that you havent had the same experiences that some of us on the board have. Maybe they dont go thru the training as throughly as they should. I always ask for the manager and he/she always has come out.

Again, I am sorry for your experiences

pegom1 Rookie
pegom1
Posted

When I spoke to corporate after my experience in Dover, the person I spoke with said they do expect every Chili's location to have the gluten-free info on hand. Each restaurant owner decides whether they want to install the kiosk in their lobby that provides allergy info. She made it clear that my experience in Dover was clearly unacceptable and she was personally seeing to it that the staff have the materials and education to guide us in making gluten-free selections.

TinkerbellSwt Collaborator
TinkerbellSwt
Posted

Thats great. I am glad they are taking your complaint seriously. I hope it changes things for you. I really enjoy Chilis food. As I eventually got tired of Outback!

VegasCeliacBuckeye Collaborator
VegasCeliacBuckeye
Posted

Just echoing some earlier sentiments.

I wouldn't blame the entire Brinker Corporation for one bad restaurant.

The Chili's here in Vegas have been accomodating.

To be honest, the only places that I have seen in which the Hostesses had a clue about "gluten free" was Carrabbas, PF Changs and First Watch.

Normally, these girls are in high school and they are not educated nor empowered with such direction from their managers.

As I often say in my thread about restaurants, this type of place empowers you to do one of two things:

1. Never go to the restaurant again and tell people about your bad experience.

2. Educate the management about celiac disease and The Gluten Free Diet.

Option #2 requires more time and effort, but ask yourself this, "Which choice benefits Celiacs more?"

I know I am in the minority when it comes to this challenge, but I now try to assist the learning curve of ignorant restaurants rather than blowing them off. If I can educate one manager a month, that equates to 12more places for my Celiac brothers and sisters to dine at in 2007.

Food for thought...pun intended :)

Bronco

connole1056 Rookie
connole1056
Posted

I am astounded that happened at Chili's! I was told by a waiter that every Chili's has access to the gluten-free menu since it is computer-generated and all restaurants use the same computer. I have told many people to go there because I was giventhis information. I hope your experience was an isolated incident and not indicative of the way other Chili's restaurants are allowed to operate !!!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. catnapt
      - catnapt posted a topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      0

      anyone here diagnosed with a PARAthyroid disorder? (NOT the thyroid) the calcium controlling glands

      learned I had a high PTH level in 2022 suspected to be due to low vit D got my vit D level up a bit but still have high PTH I am 70 yrs old (today in fact) I am looking for someone who also has hyperparathyroidism that might be caused by malabsorption
    2. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      I am on day 13 of eating gluten and have decided to have the celiac panel done tomorrow instead of Wed. (and instead of extending it a few more weeks) because I am SO incredibly sick. I have almost no appetite and am not able to consume the required daily intake of calcium to try to keep up with the loss of calcium from the high parathyroid hormone...
    3. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 posted a topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      0

      Curious question

      So I've been dealing with chasing the name celiac because of my body actively dealing with health issues related to celiac though not eating. Diagnosed in 1994 before foods eliminated from diet. After 25 years with former pcp I googled celiac specialist and she wasn't because of what ive been through. I wanted my results to be sent to my pcp but nothing was...
    4. Amy Barnett
      - Amy Barnett posted a topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      0

      Question

      What is the best liquid multivitamin for celiac disease?
    5. Scott Adams
      0

      Quick Gluten-Free Shrimp Stir-Fry With Crisp Vegetables

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,322
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    avery144
    Newest Member
    avery144
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • catnapt
      anyone here diagnosed with a PARAthyroid disorder? (NOT the thyroid) the calcium controlling glands

      By catnapt · Posted

      learned I had a high PTH level in 2022 suspected to be due to low vit D  got my vit D level up a bit but still have high PTH   I am 70 yrs old (today in fact) I am looking for someone who also has hyperparathyroidism that might be caused by malabsorption    
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      I am on day 13 of eating gluten  and have decided to have the celiac panel done tomorrow instead of Wed. (and instead of extending it a few more weeks) because I am SO incredibly sick. I have almost no appetite and am not able to consume the required daily intake of calcium to try to keep up with the loss of calcium from the high parathyroid hormone and/or the renal calcium leak.    I have spent the past 15 years working hard to improve my health. I lost 50lbs, got off handfuls of medications, lowered my cholesterol to enviable levels, and in spite of having end stage osteoarthritis in both knees, with a good diet and keeping active I have NO pain in those joints- til now.  Almost all of my joints hurt now I feel like someone has repeatedly punched me all over my torso- even my ribs hurt- I have nausea, gas, bloating, headache, mood swings, irritability, horrid flatulence (afraid to leave the house or be in any enclosed spaces with other people- the smell would knock them off their feet) I was so sure that I wanted a firm diagnosis but now- I'm asking myself is THIS worth it? esp over the past 2 yrs I have been feeling better and better the more I adjusted my diet to exclude highly refined grains and processed foods. I didn't purposely avoid gluten, but it just happened that not eating gluten has made me feel better.   I don't know what I would have to gain by getting a definitive diagnosis. I think possibly the only advantage to a DX would be that I could insist on gluten-free foods in settings where I am unable to have access to foods of my choice (hospital, rehab, nursing home)  and maybe having a medical reason to see a dietician?   please let me know if it's reasonable to just go back to the way I was eating.  Actually I do plan to buy certified gluten-free oats as that is the only grain I consume (and really like) so there will be some minor tweaks I hope and pray that I heal quickly from any possible damage that may have been done from 13 days of eating gluten.    
    • Jmartes71
      Curious question

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      So I've been dealing with chasing the name celiac because of my body actively dealing with health issues related to celiac though not eating. Diagnosed in 1994 before foods eliminated from diet. After 25 years with former pcp I googled celiac specialist and she wasn't because of what ive been through. I wanted my results to be sent to my pcp but nothing was sent.I have email copies.I did one zoom call with np with team member from celiac specialist in Nov 2025 and she asked me why I wanted to know why I wanted the celiac diagnosis so bad, I sad I don't, its my life and I need revalidaion because its affecting me.KB stated well it shows you are.I asked then why am I going through all this.I was labeled unruly. Its been a celiac circus and medical has caused anxiety and depression no fault to my own other than being born with bad genetics. How is it legal for medical professionals to gaslight patients that are with an ailment coming for help to be downplayed? KB put in my records that she personally spent 120min with me and I think the zoom call was discussing celiac 80 min ONE ZOOM call.SHE is responsible for not explaining to my pcp about celiac disease am I right?
    • Amy Barnett
      Question

      By Amy Barnett · Posted

      What is the best liquid multivitamin for celiac disease?
    • Jmartes71
      Alarming

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      I've noticed with my age and menopause my smell for bread gives me severe migraines and I know this.Its alarming that there are all these fabulous bakeries, sandwich places pizza places popping up in confined areas.Just the other day I suffered a migraine after I got done with my mri when a guy with a brown paper bag walk in front of me and I smelled that fresh dough bread with tuna, I got a migraine when we got home.I hate im that sensitive. Its alarming these places are popping up in airports as well.I just saw on the news that the airport ( can't remember which  one)was going to have a fabulous smelling bakery. Not for sensitive celiacs, this can alter their health during their travel which isn't safe. More awareness really NEEDS to be promoted, so much more than just a food consumption!FYI I did write to Stanislaus to let them know my thoughts on the medical field not knowing much about celiac and how it affects one.I also did message my gi the 3 specialist names that was given on previous post on questions on celiac. I pray its not on deaf door.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.