Chili's is bringing the feel-good holiday movie genre with the Lifetime television event "I'll Be Home for National Margarita Day."
Starring Maria Menounos and Taye Diggs, the 15-minute special puts the brand's signature margaritas at the heart of a lighthearted romantic tale.
Partnering with Lifetime, Chili's — home to more margaritas than any other restaurant in the U.S. — aims to give the fan-favorite cocktail its own seasonal spotlight.
Premiering on Wednesday, February 19 at 10 p.m. ET on Lifetime, the movie follows Liz (Menounos), who returns to her hometown of Ferguson Falls, a place where National Margarita Day is the biggest event of the year.
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A chance encounter at the local Chili's reunites her with former flame Sam (Diggs), just as a big-city developer threatens the town's beloved celebration.
As they work to save the event, sparks fly between the two once more. Additional cast members include Judy Kain, Craig Kolkebeck, and Keven Undergaro.
In a press release, Menounos, who is also the project's executive producer, shared how the role fits her perfectly:
"A few of my friends call me 'Margamarita,' and my husband and I are known frequenters of our hometown Chili's, so this was the role of a lifetime bringing the fandom of Chili's iconic margaritas to the silver screen."
Chili's CMO George Felix also chimed in to express how much the brand loves the margarita-themed holiday.
"Lifetime is known for its beloved, iconic holiday programs, so there is no better partner to finally give National Margarita Day the attention it deserves.
What better way to celebrate than with the holiday's biggest television event and Chili's signature margaritas."
Following its debut, the movie will re-air on National Margarita Day, February 22, at 2 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, streaming will be made available on mylifetime.com, the Lifetime app, YouTube, and other VOD platforms from February 20, for a limited time.
Chili's partnership with Lifetime exemplifies how brands can leverage seasonal marketing to create engaging, multi-platform experiences that drive consumer affinity.
By blending entertainment with brand storytelling, Chili's reinforces its identity as the go-to destination for margaritas while expanding its reach to new audiences.
Margarita Madness
Beyond the film, Chili's is extending the celebration with in-restaurant drink specials and exclusive merchandise.
Highlights include the $5 Tequila Trifecta Margarita, a top-shelf blend of el Jimador Silver, 1800 Reposado, and Jose Cuervo Gold available only on February 22.
The $6 StrawEddy Margarita will be featured as the brand's Margarita of the Month for February.
Fans can also purchase themed apparel featured in the film, including a "Marg Sweet Marg" T-shirt ($30) and "Marg Mama" sweater ($65), now available at welcometochilis.com.
Blending humor, nostalgia, and plenty of margaritas, the film is bringing a fresh twist to the holiday romance genre, one lime at a time.
Chili's isn't new to seasonal marketing. Last November, the chain launched a holiday gift collection for its famous Triple Dipper appetizer.
