NEWS: Permanent CLOSURE Announced for Longtime Orlando Airport Restaurant

We’ve got bad news for fans of baby back ribs and cheese pulls: The (amongst some) iconic Chili’s at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) is closing.

Orlando International Airport Terminal C

The longtime MCO staple is set to close on December 31st, according to a statement released by the airport on social media.

Along with a video of the escalator up to the restaurant’s entrance and somewhat dramatically scored to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” (yes, really), the airport wrote, “We know Chili’s Grill & Bar is a longtime favorite for so many travelers who have taken the ‘stairway to heaven.’ Over the years, you’ve eaten countless gallons of queso and more. Now, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, as Chili’s will close its doors permanently on Dec. 31, 2025. We invite fans to visit Chili’s one last time. We’ve enjoyed our partnership with Chili’s and raise our glass in a final toast to all the good times shared.”

View this post on Instagram

There are several Chili’s locations near Disney World, so if you really need your fix on a trip to Orlando, you’re all set.

While we’re pouring out a margarita in Chili’s, the restaurant’s closure doesn’t signal the end of dining at MCO. Far from it in fact, as a recently approved expansion of the MCO Concession Master Plan will bring more than 40 new retail and dining locations to MCO. These will arrive in phases.

Phase 1 Restaurants:

4Rivers Southern Smokehouse
Black Bean Deli
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay
BrewDog + Peet’s Coffee
Cabrita
Eola Wine Company
Green Leaf’s
Hinkley’s Fancy Meats
Intercept Wine Bar
Jam-Eng
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
Otto’s High Dive
Maxine’s on Shine
MOD Pizza
Old Jailhouse
Seito Sushi
Smoke & Donuts BBQ
SoDough Detroit Pizza
Stasio’s Italian Deli
Starbucks
The Halal Guys
The Milkhouse
Tobu
Villa Pizza
Zaza

©Orlando International Airport

Phase 2 Restaurants:

Bahia Bowls
Bricks & Bowls
Cava
Chick-fil-A
Citrus Market featuring Winery and Tasting Room powered by Brewlando
Crisp & Green
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Just Love Coffee Cafe
McDonald’s
Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill
Panda Express
Piggza
Plum Market
Raising Cane’s
Sambazon
Shake Shack
Starbucks
Velvet Taco

Orlando International Airport

The traveler-favorite Chili’s at the Orlando International Airport is scheduled to close on December 31st as the airport’s array of dining options continues to evolve. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on all these new options coming to MCO.

Destination: Disney World! Flying To and From Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Have you ever eaten at the MCO Chili’s? Let us know in the comments below.