Chili’s offers ‘$5 value meal’ alternative and customers are saying it’s ‘better than fast food’ but you need to ‘play’

CHILI'S is launching an updated edition of the beloved BurgerTime arcade game with a chance to win a huge prize.

This release invites enthusiasts to confront fast food adversaries and compete for a chance to win free burgers for a year.

Chili's posted news of this major deal on X/Twitter, prompting the chain's fans to explain just why Chili's is better than fast food.

"Instead of a $5 'value' meal, play Chili's Big Smasher BurgerTime for the chance to win a lifetime of free burgers*.

"Instead of a $5 'value' meal, play Chili's Big Smasher BurgerTime for the chance to win a lifetime of free burgers," the post read.

"Repost this using #ChilisBurgerTime and tell us why Chili's is better than fast food and we'll pick 1 person to win free burgers for a year!"

Chili's also shared the official rules in a reply.

Fans were not slowing down on letting Chili's know just why it is "better than fast food."

"Chilis is better than all fast foods," one customer tweeted in reaction to Chili's Big Smasher BurgerTime announcement, "because it's cheaper than all fast foods with better quality."

"Chili’s is better than fast food because it is quality food at a great price! Love going there with family & friends!" someone else posted.

"Affordable (which is huge !) , fresh, tastes good- nice variety, clean restaurants friendly wait staff - and AMAZING drinks," wrote a third person in an attempt to win free burgers for life.

"Always fresh and I don't have to worry about my burger sitting under a heating lamp!" commented a fourth.

'BIG SMASHER'

In Chili's inaugural video game, players assume the role of Joe ChiliHead.

They are tasked with crafting numerous Big Smasher Burgers while battling fast-food foes across six levels, according to a press release.

It's an opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in a quest where saving humanity from overpriced fast food is the ultimate goal, with enticing rewards awaiting those who succeed.

Amidst soaring fast-food costs, Chili's is winning over enthusiasts with compelling offerings.

GET REWARDED

Valid through July 14, fans who sign in or create a My Chili's Rewards account can participate in the Chili's Big Smasher BurgerTime competition at chilisburgertime.com, per the press release.

Participants can increase their score by assembling Big Smashers ingredient by ingredient.

This game faithfully updates the classic arcade experience for modern technology, meticulously recreating its appearance, gameplay, and scoring system.

"We turned up the heat on fast-food when we dropped the Big Smasher Burger as part of our 3 for Me meal," said Chili's chief marketing officer George Felix.

"We're raising the stakes even more with our new Chili's Big Smasher BurgerTime game, giving guests a virtual outlet to vent their very real frustrations with fast-food.

"We're biased, but we think the 3 For Me deal – available year-round - is the greatest value out there for lunch and dinner."

Meanwhile, the chain has also addressed the closure of one of its locations shortly after concerns among fans about the chain's potential collapse.

And a trendy New York City restaurant is serving "upscale McDonald's nuggets" priced at a staggering $28 each, adding a luxurious twist to a beloved finger-licking favorite.