(NEXSTAR) – The social media teams at Applebee’s and Chili’s are feuding over the quality of their respective value meals.
It all started last Friday, after Applebee’s shared an X post promoting its “Really Big Meal Deal,” which includes a drink, fries, and either a chicken sandwich or bacon cheeseburger. In the post, Applebee’s simply wrote that its value meal, which is currently priced at $9.99, is better than “that other $10.99 meal deal.”
Applebee’s didn’t specify which "other" meal it was referencing. But it was clear to followers that Applebee's was taking aim at the Chili’s “3 for Me,” which allows customers to select an appetizer, drink and entrée at a starting price of $10.99.
Chili’s responded Tuesday, warning Applebee’s to “@ us next time,” and pointing out that its comparable 3 for Me burger deal comes with a Big Smasher burger, refillable (non-alcoholic) drinks and unlimited chips and salsa, something Applebee’s “could never” offer customers, according to Chili’s.
Chili’s later followed up by saying, “You can’t compete where you can’t compare.”
“Fine let’s compare,” Applebee’s responded on Thursday, using emojis to illustrate the components of each restaurant’s value burger. The Applebee’s version has bacon and tomato, the post emphasized, whereas the Big Smasher at Chili’s does not.
Chili’s had not responded to the latest Applebee’s post as of Friday morning. But the company’s chief marketing officer, George Felix, issued a statement in response to the food fight.
"It's no secret that we like to have a little fun on our social channels, and we are extremely passionate about making sure our guests are truly getting the best value in casual dining — which you’ll only find in our 3 for Me for $10.99,” Felix said.
Plenty of commenters also chimed in to voice their preferences for either restaurant’s meals — as well as the effectiveness of their put-downs. Many who sided with Chili’s liked the additional appetizer offered in the 3 for Me meal, while some backing Applebee’s pointed to the chain's $1 cocktails, despite those drinks not being part of the Really Big Meal Deal.
Others, meanwhile, just didn’t want to see mom and dad fighting.
“Applebee’s you didn’t have to do this,” one X user wrote. “I can love both. I don’t want to have to lose you.”
