NEWS: Iconic Orlando Airport Restaurant Sets Permanent CLOSING Date

We’ve got some sad news today for Chili’s fans, especially those who fly in and out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) frequently.

There are tons of restaurants to experience in the Terminals (Terminal C definitely has the best options, just saying), but now we’ve gotten word that one of our FAVORITE spots is now closing forever. Yes, it’s a restaurant we can go to in our own towns easily, since they’re kinda everywhere, but we’re still sad. Soon, you’ll no longer be able to go to Chili’s at MCO!

Orlando International Airport took to its social media accounts to officially announce that the Chili’s located beyond the “stairway to heaven” in the airport will officially be closing its doors on December 31st, 2025.

At first, we were asking ourselves, “How could this happen? What caused the closure?”…but then we read the comments on their Facebook post, and that pretty much answered it for us. According to numerous comments, many travelers, even those who travel through the airport frequently, had NO CLUE there was a Chili’s up here. Therefore, it’s possible that this restaurant just wasn’t getting enough business to make it profitable, but there’s no confirmation that this is the reason for the closure.

However, there were also lots of comments from others who DID know about the Chili’s and will miss it greatly. Facebook user Missy Humphreys commented, “An end of an era! As both a passenger and a TSA Agent, I spent many a meal pulled up to a Chili’s table! You will be missed! ✌️” Another Facebook user, Katie Isely Franck, also shared a heartwarming story, saying, “I used to work there before I worked for the airlines. Couldn’t fly home one evening so I went up to that Chilis for dinner. The employees welcomed this ex chili-head (yes that’s what we call employees) and made my evening since I couldn’t be with family 🥲”

Luckily, there are over 40 restaurants planned for Orlando Airport in the next few years! You can check out the entire list below.

See the Full List of NEW Restaurants Confirmed For Orlando International Airport

If you’d like to visit this Chili’s before it closes at the end of this year, it’s located near the security checkpoint for Gates 1-59. We’ll be curious to see what may replace it when the time comes!

Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest MCO news so you know exactly what to expect when you fly in or out of Orlando!

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Did you know there was a Chili’s here? Tell us in the comments!