Chili’s Grill & Bar, renowned for serving fired-up foods, has fired up a shot instead of the grill.
During last week’s 2010 ESPY awards presentation, actors Steve Carell and Paul Rudd spoofed LeBron James/ESPN press conference, “The Decision.”

The funny three-minute skit featured Carell, a longtime Chili’s fan, sharing his difficult decision to switch to Outback Steakhouse for that night’s meal. Chili’s has decided to play along, responding with mock outrage to Carell’s “decision.”

Much like the citizens of Cleveland, Chili’s fans and ChiliHeads across the country have begun to express their displeasure of what the chain has proclaimed the ‘worst decision ever in the history of restaurant selection’ (that’s according to Chili’s, anyway).

Taking a page from Cleveland Cavs owner Dan Gilbert’s playbook, Chili’s posted an open letter to fans on the brand’s Facebook page. It reads in part:

“You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal. You have given so much and deserve so much more.

I want to make one statement to you: I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT CHILI’S ENTREES WILL BE BOLDER AND TASTIER THAN THAT OF THE SELF-TITLED ‘STEAKHOUSE KING.’

You can take that to the smoker.

Steve Carell’s shameful display of selfishness and betrayal has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels. His heartless and callous actions will only fuel our constant search for freshness and flavor.”

Well, if nothing else, it’s good to see the Chili’s folks have a sense of humor.

Chili’s loyalists and anyone else with interest may visit the brand’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/chilis to read the letter in its entirety and share their personal views.

Here’s the clip from the ESPYs.