Chili's Returns to Western Washington with New Airport Location

The popular restaurant chain is opening a new outpost at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by late May or early June 2026.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a Chili's menu item repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the iconic brand in a modern pop art style.The return of the popular Chili's restaurant brand to western Washington will bring a burst of color and energy to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.Seattle Today

After years without a Chili's location in western Washington, the restaurant chain is set to open a new outpost at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by late May or early June 2026. Airport officials say there has been major interest in the new Chili's, as all previous locations in the region had closed years ago, with the exception of one remaining restaurant in Spokane.

Why it matters

The new Chili's at the Seattle airport is part of a larger expansion and renovation project at the airport, which is aiming to improve the overall travel experience for both departing and arriving passengers, as well as those who may not be traveling but want to enjoy the new dining and retail options.

The details

The Chili's will be located on the second level of the airport's C Concourse, which is undergoing a major renovation that will add 10 new dining and retail spaces. Airport officials say the new concourse will feature a dramatic, open design with high ceilings and lots of natural light. In addition to the Chili's, the renovated concourse will also include a grandstand seating area and a space for the airport's free music program.

  • The new Chili's restaurant is slated to open by late May or early June 2026.
  • The C Concourse renovation, which will include the new Chili's, is scheduled to be completed just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring an estimated 750,000 fans to the Seattle area.

The players

Perry Cooper

A spokesperson for the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Chili's

A popular American casual dining restaurant chain that previously had locations in western Washington but closed them all years ago, with the exception of one remaining restaurant in Spokane.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

The main airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area, which is undergoing a major expansion and renovation project that will include the new Chili's restaurant.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Chili's has become a real popular item that we're kind of surprised about because, apparently, we're the only one that would be on the west side of the state.”

— Perry Cooper, Airport spokesperson

“It's going to be something people don't even realize is there because right now, it's just behind a white wall of construction, but as you're going to walk into it, it's going low ceiling, low ceiling, and boom, it's going to open up into this three-story space. Lots more light. Lots more amenities. A big grandstand seating area. It'll even have a space for people with our free music program and an outlook for people who want to watch aircraft.”

— Perry Cooper, Airport spokesperson

What’s next

The new Chili's restaurant at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is expected to open by late May or early June 2026, just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring a surge of visitors to the region.

The takeaway

The return of Chili's to western Washington, with a new location at the Seattle airport, is part of a broader effort by the airport to improve the overall travel experience for passengers. The new restaurant, along with other dining and retail options, will provide more amenities and entertainment options for both travelers and non-travelers alike.