Every time we turn around, we hear more stories of restaurants or stores running out of inventory, or closing altogether due to lack of product, or staff to make and serve the meals we love.

Just yesterday, my wife called in a panic because she needed veggies for dinner that she couldn't find at one particular grocery store that always carried them. Mercifully, I found what she needed at a specialty health food store. But, it's an example that supply lines are tight right now, and are affecting even the most unlikely locales.

In a story from EverythingLubbock.com, Both Chili's Restaurants in Abilene were closed to the public on Monday, August 23rd as a result of what was being described as a "severe food shortage". Yeah, that can be a bit problematic for a restaurant, to say the least. This doesn't sound like any typical food shortage, like say..."Oh, we just ran out of broccoli. can we substitute the green beans?" No, this more like a, "Sorry...we've drawn straws and had to sacrifice our head waiter to turn him into soup" kind of shortage.

via GIPHY

See? Even the guy who played Loki and dated Taylor Swift loves Chili's! This is SERIOUS, PEOPLE!

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According to the story, a sign posted at the Abilene Chili's on State Highway 351 explained:

“due to delayed deliveries and running out of key product, we will be closed for the remainder of the day.”

"Key Product". That's corporate speak for "We've got NOTHING!"

 

Coincidentally, one of Chili's Lubbock locations was also closed today, according to a Facebook post from KLBK. However, after reading the comments section, it appears that this closure was a result of a deep cleaning, or staffing issues...take your pick.

Either way, hopefully they'll be slinging the baby backs again soon.

 

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