Chili’s Create-A-Pepper program tradition celebrates a special colorful connection
When every guest enters a Chili’s restaurant, the warm greeting sets the stage for the enjoyable meal. While there are iconic food items that will always be part of the menu, one tradition is bigger than another Triple Dipper Appetizer. Chili’s Create-A-Pepper turns its iconic visual into a meaningful connection.
Many families appreciate those simple paper and crayons brought to the table during a meal. While those items might be a diversion so that mom can actually eat her dinner while it is hot, it is more than that.
In many ways, those crayons allow young (and old) to have some fun and even express themselves. It is not about coloring within the lines or appreciating complementary colors. That moment of putting crayon to paper is simply satisfying.
The annual Chili’s Create-A-Pepper is part artistic expression and part fundraiser. By purchasing a blank pepper at the restaurant, the donation benefits St. Jude. 100% of the proceeds go to the charitable organization.
As Chili's Chief Marketing Officer, George Felix said, “At the heart of Chili's is making everyone feel special, and our partnership with St. Jude is one of the most special, impactful ways we connect with our communities. Our guests and team members have blown me away with their generosity over the years, donating over $110 million to support St. Jude patients and their families. I'm incredibly proud and cannot wait to see our guests coloring peppers for such a great cause."
Since each purchased pepper is hung in the restaurant, how guests choose to express themselves is a great way to showcase the local community. From the child who wants to use every color in the rainbow to another person who prefers a more simplistic approach, there are a myriad of creative ways to transform that pepper.
Even some celebrities, like Boyz II Men, Lala Kent, and Scheana Shay, have showcased their personal peppers as part of this annual event. Sometimes seeing that connection with some famous faces makes people feel special, too.
While many people head to Chili’s for the value in the 3 For Me Meal or thirst for that Presidente Margarita, the reality is the St. Jude partnership is just as vital to the restaurant brand’s story. Over its 22 year partnership, $110 million in donations has been raised and countless families lives have been impacted.
The next time the coloring page comes to the table, consider taking a moment to remember the simple joy of transforming the blank page into a personal expression. Making a difference can be as simple as a donation and a willingness to make an impact one colorful pepper at a time.