New London - Chili's Grill & Bar reopened Monday after being rebuilt following a kitchen fire last year, putting to work 108 full- and part-time employees.

The $1 million plus renovation at 369 North Frontage Road restored everything above the footprint and cement floor, said Richmond Brittingham, regional director for Pepper Dining of Charlotte and Providence, the restaurant franchisee for Brinker International of Dallas, the owner of Chili's.

Brittingham joined Mayor Martin T. Olsen and Chili's managing partner Robert Barker at the restaurant for an 11 a.m. kickoff Monday.

Olsen grabbed some southwestern egg rolls and coffee Monday, having been there "incognito" Friday during training, and was "duly impressed" both days, he said.

"Everybody was full of enthusiasm," Olsen said. "As far as New London's concerned, we're thrilled to have them back. It's important to support our local businesses. In this case here, especially after the fire, to see them get back up and running I think is fabulous."

Barker said about 70 percent of the 108 cooks, servers, bartenders and hosts will work full time. In addition, Brittingham said more than 20 percent of the workers are employees displaced by the fire who are now back to work.

The restaurant seats 250 people and has four new TVs, Barker said. A takeout booth has been relocated to the front instead of the back of the restaurant for easy access, he said.

"We have a whole new restaurant in the interior," Barker said. "New decor: contemporary wood paneled and stone walls with modern lightening."

A new lunch menu features so-called "club combos" and "Wild and Mild" spicier versions of classics like the queso cheese dip and burger bites that now have jalapeno mayonnaise and peppercorn seasoning, Barker said.

The New London Chili's is one of 74 in the owner's northern market, which includes New England and New York, and one of 106 total in the north and south, Brittingham said.

Business snapshot

Name: Chili's Grill & Bar

Location: 369 North Frontage Road, New London

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight. Happy hours at the bar and lounge: Monday through Friday 3 to 6 p.m. and on Sunday 9 p.m. until closing.