Chili’s starts beef with McDonald’s with new Big Mac-esque Big Smasher Burger

As fast food prices continue to rise nationwide, it’s pretty clear that casual restaurant chains are seeing an opportunity to jump into the fray. And that’s exactly what Chili’s is doing with their new 3 For Me menu, which not only includes a new Crispy Chicken Sandwich – but also a burger called the Big Smasher Burger, which is openly aimed directly at McDonald’s iconic Big Mac.

"We know diners are experiencing sticker shock from the rising cost of fast food, with little change to the actual quantity or quality of fast food combo meals," said George Felix, Chili's Chief Marketing Officer, via press release. "We believe that Chili's 3 For Me offers better value than you'll find in any drive-thru and, with the all-new Big Smasher burger, we just made the 3 for Me even better. We believe our guests can enjoy better quality, better pricing and a better experience every time." 

Thank you, George Felix, but what is actually in the Big Smasher Burger? And how much does it cost? Here are the ingredients, again per the press release: “diced red onions, lettuce, pickles, Thousand Island dressing, American cheese, and a nearly half-pound, hand-smashed burger patty.” Add a sesame seed bun and you basically have the Big Mac song in a nutshell. Just as a note, this does not seem to be served on a sesame seed bun.

But even without that bun, Chili’s surprisingly calls out Mickey Dees in the release, noting the Chili’s Big Smasher “has twice the beef of a Big Mac and flavors fast food lovers will recognize.” Shots fired! Or rather, beef started!

Let’s talk price, though, because it’s fine and good to invent a Bigger Mac. But how much does this actually cost? The 3 For Me menu starts at $10.99 and includes either the Big Smasher burger or the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, as well as a bottomless non-alcoholic beverage, bottomless chips and salsa, and fries. You can also add a margarita for $3.99, which they note “certainly won’t be found in any drive thru.”

Obviously it’s hard to compare this one to one with a Big Mac, given the chips and salsa in particular, but a cursory glance at the McDonald’s menu here in New York shows that a Big Mac Meal that includes medium fries and a medium drink is $10.89. For ten more cents, you can get unlimited drinks, plus salsa and chips? I’m going to take a wild stab and say: yes, George Felix, this is a good deal.

The new menu is available nationwide at Chili’s today. As part of the promotion, the brand is asking fans on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) to quote retweet their brand account with the hashtag #Chilis3ForMeResuce with your review to win a gift card to cover a $10.99 3 For Me meal. No word on whether it will be paid for by George Felix, but stay tuned.