New items – featured on HealthyDiningFinder.com and are 750 calories and 25g fat or less – demonstrate Chili’s commitment to providing guests a range of options to fit their lifestyles

Chili's Grill & Bar Introduces Lighter Choices Menu Featuring Delicious, Lighter Entrees With the Same Bold Chili's Taste

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Chili’s® Grill & Bar introduces a new Lighter Choices menu with seven bold entrees that, in addition to being delicious, also happen to nutritious and flavorful. The Lighter Choice items are featured on HealthyDiningFinder.com and meet HealthyDiningFinder’s nutrition criteria: not more than 750 calories, 25 grams fat and 8 grams saturated fat.

Seven menu items complete the Lighter Choices menu – three of which are new – and satisfy the needs from health-conscious guests, while maintaining the bold, Southwestern flavors they’ve come to expect from Chili’s entrees. Chili’s listened to guest feedback about providing healthier options on the menus.

The new Lighter Choices section, featured prominently on the menu, includes a Quick Response (QR) code linking to online nutritional information. With the use of their smartphone, guests scan the code located on the menu to access the calories, fat and saturated fat for each Lighter Choice item in an easy-to-read mobile friendly format. The use of the QR code is an added convenience for guests to retrieve the nutritional information they need to make healthier decisions about their meal selections.

“Guests at Chili’s tell us they want options to meet their lifestyle and dining occasion needs at both lunch and dinner,” said Edithann Ramey, senior director of marketing for Chili’s Grill & Bar. “Our new Lighter Choice menu gives them options lower in fat, saturated fat and calories while still delivering on our Chili’s signature bold flavors.”

Chili’s Lighter Choices entrees are (*denotes new menu item):

• *Grilled Chicken Salad – grilled chicken with cheese, tomatoes, black beans, corn relish and honey-lime vinaigrette served atop field greens (420 calories);
• Lighter Choice Santa Fe Chicken Wrap – with corn, tortilla strips, avocado and tomatoes. Served with steamed broccoli, and a side of low-fat ranch (680 calories);
• Lighter Choice Grilled Chicken Sandwich – with tomato, lettuce and non-fat honey mustard dressing on a wheat bun. Served with steamed broccoli (610 calories);
• *Lighter Choice 6 ounce Classic Sirloin – 100 percent USDA Choice sirloin with carne asada rub and pico de gallo. Served with steamed broccoli (260 calories);
• Margarita Grilled Chicken – classic Margarita-flavored grilled chicken with hints of lime and citrus, served with rice, black beans, tortilla strips and house-made pico de gallo (550 calories);
• *Sweet & Spicy Chicken – Habanero and sweet orange glaze brushed over grilled chicken with onions and peppers. Served with rice and steamed broccoli (670 calories);
• Lighter Choice Grilled Salmon with Garlic & Herbs – served with rice and steamed broccoli (480 calories).

Chili’s Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili’s offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,500 locations in 31 countries and two territories. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s® Grill & Bar, and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill®. Follow news about Chili’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chilis, @Chilis on Twitter and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/chilis. For more information, please visit www.chilis.com.

Chance to win Sandals® resort vacation, plus credit toward future banquets at Maggiano’s

Engaged To Be Married? Say 'I Do' To Maggiano's Bliss List Contest

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  New Year’s Eve proposals and upcoming Valentine’s Day engagements will have wedding bells ringing soon for couples across the country. Maggiano’s Little Italy®, a popular venue for weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers and bridal luncheons, wants to make one lucky couple’s special moment even more memorable by awarding them a Sandals® Resorts vacation during the brand’s first ever “Bliss List” contest. Weddings are a time of celebration and in the spirit of Maggiano’s tradition of connecting with friends and family, the brand is offering another incentive to the list of prizes. In addition to the grand prize, entrants qualify to win private, wedding events hosted at one of Maggiano’s 44 nationwide locations.

Love is in the air and before they meet at the altar, engaged couples nationwide are encouraged to capture their blissful moments by providing a photo and an essay of 250-words or less, listing the top five things they’d like to experience together during their marriage. The couples’ experiences can range from people they would like to meet, places they want to visit, skills they want to develop together, and the like.

Happy couples have until February 29, 2012 to display their love and affection and submit entries to the “Bliss List” contest site. Maggiano’s will select finalists from the list of submissions and judge the essays based on a number of criteria, including unique experience ideas, as well as creative descriptions and photography. Once confirmed, Maggiano’s will post the finalists’ stories online where everyone is encouraged to solicit votes for their favorite couple.

The couple who receives the most votes at the end of the voting period on March 30, 2012, will win a grand prize 5-day, 4-night stay at a Luxury Included® Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean, with airfare included. Second and third place winners will receive a $3,500 and $1,500 credit toward a banquet event at Maggiano’s, respectively.

Banquet spaces at Maggiano’s 44 nationwide locations are the ideal venues to host wedding events – from engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, receptions, or day-after brunches – and feature several wedding packages to accommodate groups of all sizes. Happily engaged couples can expect generous made-from-scratch Italian specialties, wine selections from Chateau St. Jean, favors for each of their guests, and of course, Maggiano’s hospitable service. Contact (877) 350-3721 to speak to Maggiano’s banquet sales manager for the nearest restaurant and package information.

For additional information about the “Bliss List” including official contest rules, please visit http://blisslist.maggianos.com. To inquire about hosting a wedding event at Maggiano’s, check out http://weddings.maggianos.com for banquet package details.

About Maggiano’s Little Italy

Maggiano’s Little Italy specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano’s menu features both classic and contemporary recipes – authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts. Maggiano’s 45 locations worldwide offer lunch and dinner, delivery, carryout service and banquet spaces for special occasions. Maggiano’s is owned and operated by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 32 countries and two territories. In addition to Maggiano’s, Brinker owns and operates Chili’s^® Grill & Bar and holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill^®. For more information, visit www.maggianos.com.

The Christmas – New Year season is generally not the season for restaurant discounts, but this year, times sure seem to be different. During a time of year when most people throw calorie counting and costs out the window, restaurants typically charge their full prices, even for a glass of water.

This year, however, as shoppers bob and weave from store to store based on deals, some big chain restaurants fear they’ll choose their lunch and dinner outings the same way. National chains such as Brinker International that over sees Chili’s Grill & Bar and DineEquity’s Applebee’s and IHOP are using more discounts and advertising than in past years. It’s a fight of epic proportion for that cost-cutting consumer dollar.

Continue reading . . .

Brinker International Awards Top Honor to 19-Year Chili's Veteran Rob Morris, General Manager of Chili's in Searcy, Arkansas

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  For his commitment to operational excellence and making people feel special, Brinker International, Inc., (NYSE: EAT) parent company of Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®, named Rob Morris, General Manager of Chili’s in Searcy, Ark., as the company-wide general manager of the year.

In its sixth year of existence, the Brinker GM of the Year award is a nationwide, cross-brand honor that is a part of the company’s 5-Star Challenge program, designed to reward top performing managers for profitability in their restaurants. Results are tracked and communicated each quarter, and at the end of each fiscal year, managers whose results are in the top five percent from Chili’s and Maggiano’s become members of the 5-Star Chairman’s Club. All members of the Chairman’s Club receive bonuses such as cash, vacation trips and are eligible for the GM of the Year award.

Morris was selected for this honor based on key results, including outstanding performance and profit achievements, guest and team member engagement scores, as well as demonstrated commitment to his surrounding community. As the winner, he receives the coveted Norman Brinker Cup – a crystal trophy named in honor of the late restaurant industry icon and company namesake, Norman Brinker – to display in the restaurant, a one-year lease on a new Lexus and $25,000. Additionally, all team members at his restaurant in Searcy will enjoy a special party and a cash bonus.

“Rob has been a part of our Chili’s family for 19 years and his contributions have helped drive our company’s success,” said Wyman Roberts, president of Chili’s Grill & Bar. “He embraces and exemplifies what it means to be a true leader for the brand and personifies everything we envision an outstanding general manager to be.”

An Arkansas native, Morris has been the general manager of the Searcy Chili’s since it opened in 2006. He effectively achieved profitable results even amid operating in an untraditional location with the absence of a bar area, all while faced with unpredictable economic times. In addition to running a highly-successful restaurant, he still has time to lead volunteer efforts for Chili’s. His restaurant is involved with numerous local and national charities, from supporting local schools and tornado relief efforts to Special Olympics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, March of Dimes and more.

The runner up for this year’s award is Rachael Paul, managing partner of Maggiano’s in Nashville, Tenn. She has been with the company five years, first joining the Nashville team in 2006 as Maitre D’ and was promoted to managing partner earlier this year. In addition to representing The Maggiano’s Way, the brand’s cultural principles, she produced positive results for the restaurant; including doubling her team’s engagement scores by listening to their feedback and fostering new directives to help them enhance the guests’ experiences. Paul is also a pillar in her community, supporting several service organizations, such as Tin Pan South, which benefits local Nashville songwriters and artists, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

“Rachael lives and breathes all that is The Maggiano’s Way,” said Steve Provost, president of Maggiano’s Little Italy. “She has an extraordinary ability to be successful in all she does – whether it’s leading her team, making our guests feel special, or being a beacon in her community. In five short years in Nashville, she’s become an integral part of the Maggiano’s team. Rachael is indeed a rising star.”

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), is one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than 1 million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 32 countries and two territories. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority stake in Romano’s Macaroni Grill®. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.

Restaurant News Bites: 2012 Menu Trends, Breakfast, Restaurant Domain Names

The National Restaurant Association has released its report on the trends that will shape menus the most in 2012. The top trends include seafood and meat from local sources, healthier meal options for children, allergy conscious foods and sustainability as a main theme. As consumers are becoming more concerned about the ingredients in each dish, chefs are changing to accommodate them.

New information from Technomic shows that dining out for breakfast is on the rise. Breakfast sales generate about $42 billion in sales each year and this number is growing. Any restaurant that can provide a fast and convenient way to fuel up in the morning can join in on this growing trend and improve their profits.

A plan by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers to roll out a new domain name system is being strongly opposed by the National Restaurant Association. If approved, the new plan could cost restaurants huge amounts of money as they would be forced to apply for and register new domain names in order to protect their trademarks and brands.

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Cosi, Inc. has appointed Carin Stutz as their newest Chief Executive Officer. Stutz resigned her position as President of Global Business Development for Brinker International to take the position with Cosi. While at Brinker, she oversaw operations and franchise development for 240 Chili’s and Maggiano’s restaurants worldwide.  She has also held executive positions with Applebee’s International, Wendy’s International, Sodexo and NutriSystem.

P.F. Chang’s is testing a new prototype in Irving, California. The restaurant in the Irving Spectrum Center was recently renovated to give it a unique look. The menu now focuses primarily on small plates and specialty Asian dishes and has a wider selection of wines, drinks and loose leafed brewed tea.  The new store will serve as testing ground for new beverages and dishes which may see national rollouts.

Starbucks released a mobile payment program about a year ago which allows customers to pay for purchases with their smart phone. Since that release, over 26 million transactions have taken place in the 9,000 U.S. locations. Nearly $2.5 billion dollars were loaded onto the payment app for use during 2011.

Domino’s Pizza processed over 1 million orders in the week following Thanksgiving this year through its mobile and web ordering apps. The company has been accepting mobile and web orders for four years and generates about 30% of all orders.

Burger King is bringing the new Coca-Cola Freestyle machine to its restaurants around the country. The Freestyle offers over 100 unique drink combinations.  Burger King will be the largest franchise system in America to offer the fountains in all company owned restaurants.

Brinker International Executive Steps Down to Accept CEO and President Role at Cosi, Inc.

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) today announced Carin Stutz, President of Global Business Development, has resigned her position to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer and President of Cosi, Inc. (NASDAQ: COSI).

“During her tenure with Brinker, Carin built upon her solid operations and franchising background as she rose through the leadership ranks for our Global Business Development team,” said Doug Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Brinker International. “Carin’s expertise helped our global team build a strategic road map which we’ll continue to follow to meet our aggressive international expansion goals.”

“Her track record of successes prepared her well for this next step in her career journey, and we wish Carin all the best in her new role,” continued Brooks.

About Brinker International

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), is one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than 1 million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 32 countries and two territories. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority stake in Romano’s Macaroni Grill®. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.

Cosi, Inc. Names Carin Stutz Chief Executive Officer

Deerfield, IL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Cosi, Inc. (NASDAQ: COSI), the premium convenience restaurant company, today announced the appointment of Carin L. Stutz as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer and President beginning January 1.   She also will join the Cosi Board of Directors.

“Carin is a proven leader with deep operational, marketing and business development experience,” said Michael O’Donnell, CEO of Ruth’s Hospitality Group and a member of the Cosi board and search committee. “She is a respected leader with a track record of innovative strategic brand building, and an impressive record of accomplishment, having held leadership positions at several of our industry’s leading companies. Her energetic leadership and broad perspective will drive our company forward.”

Stutz (55) joins Cosi from full-service restaurant leader Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) where she was President of Global Business Development, leading all aspects of franchise development and operations for 240 Chili’s and Maggiano’s restaurants around the globe.  Prior to joining Brinker, Stutz was Executive Vice President of Operations for Applebee’s International, Inc.  She oversaw more than 1,900 company-owned and franchise restaurants in 49 states. Prior to Applebee’s, she was the Pacific Division Vice President for Wendy’s International; served as Regional Operations Vice President for Sodexo, U.S.A., and was Vice President of Corporate Operations for NutriSystem, Inc.

Stutz holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Mid America Nazarene University.  She is the Chair of the Women’s Foodservice Forum, a leading organization in the food service industry dedicated to developing gender-diverse leadership talent.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to lead this talented management team and help build a great future for the Cosi brand, our employees, franchise owners, and all who invest in our success,” said Stutz.  ”My mission is to energize the Cosi brand and the guest experience.”

In conjunction with the appointment of the new CEO, the company announced that Board of Directors member Stephen F. Edwards assumes the role of Executive Chair on January 1.  Edwards will work with the company’s management team to refine the long-term strategic plan, explore opportunities to raise capital and communicate with various external constituencies, and will serve as a liaison between management and the Board.  “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Mark Demilio for his leadership as interim CEO through this transition and look forward to continuing to work with him as a member of the Board of Directors,” said Edwards.

About Cosi, Inc.

Cosi® (http://www.getcosi.com) is a national fast-casual restaurant chain that has developed featured foods built around a secret, generations-old recipe for crackly crust flatbread. This artisan bread is freshly baked in front of customers throughout the day in open flame stone hearth ovens prominently located in each of the restaurants. Cosi’s warm and urbane atmosphere is geared towards its sophisticated, upscale, urban and suburban guests. There are currently 80 Company-owned and 57 franchise restaurants operating in seventeen states, the District of Columbia and the United Arab Emirates. The Cosi®vision is to become America’s favorite fast-casual restaurant by providing customers authentic, innovative, savory food.

The Cosi®menu features unique sandwiches, freshly tossed salads, melts, soups, flatbread pizzas, Squagels(R), breakfast wraps and other breakfast products, S’mores, snacks and other desserts, and a wide range of coffee and coffee-based drinks and other specialty beverages. Cosi®restaurants are designed to be welcoming and comfortable with an eclectic environment. Cosi’s sights, sounds, and spaces create a tasteful, relaxed ambience that provides a fresh and new dining experience.

“Cosi”, “(Sun & Moon Design)” and related marks are registered trademarks of Cosi, Inc. in the U.S.A. and certain other countries. Copyright Copyright 2011 Cosi, Inc. All rights reserved.

“SAFE HARBOR” STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements under the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements about future events and expectations and not statements of historical fact. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “seek,” “plan,” “strive,” or similar words, or negatives of these words, identify forward-looking statements. We qualify any forward-looking statements entirely by these cautionary factors. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future economic performance, taking into account the information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or financial condition to differ materially from the expectations of future results, performance or financial condition we express or imply in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to: the cost of our principal food products and supply and delivery shortages or interruptions; labor shortages or increased labor costs; changes in demographic trends and consumer tastes and preferences, including changes resulting from concerns over nutritional or safety aspects of beef, poultry, produce, or other foods or the effects of food-borne illnesses, such as E. Coli, “mad cow disease” and avian influenza or “bird flu”; competition in our markets, both in our business and in locating suitable restaurant sites; our operation and execution in new and existing markets; expansion into new markets including foreign markets; our ability to attract and retain qualified franchisees and our franchisees’ ability to open restaurants on a timely basis; our ability to locate suitable restaurant sites in new and existing markets and negotiate acceptable lease terms; the rate of our internal growth and our ability to generate increased revenue from our existing restaurants; our ability to generate positive cash flow from existing and new restaurants; fluctuations in our quarterly results due to seasonality; increased government regulation and our ability to secure required governmental approvals and permits; our ability to create customer awareness of our restaurants in new markets; the reliability of our customer and market studies; cost effective and timely planning, design and build-out of restaurants; our ability to recruit, train and retain qualified corporate and restaurant personnel and management; market saturation due to new restaurant openings; inadequate protection of our intellectual property; our ability to obtain capital and financing; adverse weather conditions which impact customer traffic at our restaurants; and, adverse economic conditions. Further information regarding factors that could affect our results and the statements made herein are included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Additional information is available on the company’s website at http://www.getcosi.com in the investor relations section.

Chili's Grill & Bar Spreads Good Tidings and 'HoliDaily' Cheer

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is quickly approaching and Chili’s® Grill & Bar wants to make this time as ‘merry and bright’ as possible through their HoliDaily promotion. Beginning Black Friday (Nov. 25) through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Chili’s will offer daily specials – ranging from free appetizers and desserts, to free kids’ meals – designed to ease the strain on guests’ wallets during the holidays.

The coupon-based HoliDaily specials will be promoted through various channels, including a designated section on Chili’s website and to followers on the brand’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Chili’s Email Club members will receive a message alerting them of each week’s offers. Guests have the option to either print off the daily coupons or display them to their server on a smartphone.

In addition to the HoliDaily specials, Chili’s also offers savings on gift card purchases. Now through Wednesday, Dec. 28, guests who purchase $100 or more in gift cards will receive 10 percent off their entire gift card purchase. Chili’s gift cards can be purchased at participating restaurants nationwide as well as online. Choose from four specially designed holiday cards, including a gingerbread-scented card, or guests may customize their own online with an uploaded image and personalized greeting. Guests who order gift card values of $50 or more online will automatically qualify for free shipping. To order a gift card online, log onto Chili’s website and click on “Gift Cards.”

“The holidays are one of the most exciting and busiest times of the year for our guests, their families and friends,” said Edithann Ramey, senior marketing director for Chili’s Grill & Bar. “Whether it’s taking a break from shopping or crossing to-dos off their errands list, Chili’s HoliDaily and gift card offerings are a present to our guests as way to make their lives easier throughout the holiday season.”

Chili’s Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili’s offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,500 locations in 32 countries and two territories. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s® Grill & Bar, and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill®. Follow news about Chili’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chilis, @Chilis on Twitter and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/chilis. For more information, please visit www.chilis.com.

Maggiano's Little Italy Introduces New Happy Hour Menu

Maggiano’s Little Italy is introducing a new beverage menu, giving guests more options and better value than ever before. With premium offerings at an affordable price, the brand has crafted a happy hour inspired by the Italian-American roots of gathering, sharing and celebrating with friends and family.

Available Monday through Friday from 3–6 p.m. at participating restaurants, the premium happy hour features delectable offerings between $3 and $6:

• At $3, draft beers including Peroni, Stella Artois, Bud Light and, new to Maggiano’s draft selection, Newcastle Brown Ale;
• At $4, made-from-scratch signature flatbreads such as Margherita, Pepperoni and Arugula, Italian Sausage and Chicken and Roasted Pepper;
• At $5, wines by the glass, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot;
• At $6, new signature Classic Cocktails made with fresh juices and premium spirits: Cosmopolitan made with SKYY Infusion Citrus; Lemon Drop made with ABSOLUT CITRON; Pomegranate Martini made with ABSOLUT BERRY ACAI; Primo Margarita made with Patron Silver; Mulberry Street made with Maker’s Mark; and Mojitos made with Bacardi Rum.

“With new energy and revitalization behind our beverage menu, we’re giving our guests another reason to join us and celebrate the company of friends and family with our happy hour,” said Steve Provost, president of Maggiano’s Little Italy. “In addition to including more choices by-the-glass, the entire wine list has been updated. From California Cabernets to Italian Prosecco, and from full-bodied choices to sweet and blush options, our robust offerings have something for everyone.”

The new and extended menu offers more than 40 wines by the glass, including a wider selection of varietals, providing more options to please the palate so guests can find the perfect glass of wine for each course of their meal. The new beverage menu has also added both red and white Sangria in pitchers, further encouraging the Italian-American tradition of family-style dining.

“Sangria is our number one selling cocktail, so it made perfect sense to serve this refreshing beverage by the pitcher to encourage sharing of food and drinks among family and friends, continuing our family-style heritage,” added Provost.

The new premium happy hour is available in the dining room, bar and lounge at participating restaurants. Also available are alcohol-free beverages, including flavored lemonade and Italian soda; coffee and tea; after dinner drinks; dessert wines and ports; aperitifs; and frozen Bellini cocktails.

Every guest who visits participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants across the country Monday, Sept. 26, will play an integral role in the fight against childhood cancer by simply dining in or picking up their favorite menu items.

Monday is Donate Profits Day, when Chili’s will donate 100 percent of profits to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As part of the eighth annual Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign, every September during National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Chili’s raises funds for the hospital to benefit its mission of finding cures for children with cancer and other deadly childhood diseases.

Since the inception of the Create-A-Pepper campaign in 2002, more than $35 million has been donated to St. Jude by Chili’s guests and team members, bringing the brand even closer to accomplishing its $50 million, 10-year commitment to the pediatric research hospital. Once completed, Chili’s contribution will be the largest donation from a single partner campaign in St. Jude history.

“Donate Profits Day truly demonstrates the generosity of Chili’s team members and guests,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “This is such a great way to support the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children here in the U.S. and around the world – not only can guests enjoy a delicious meal, but they can help St. Jude in the fight against childhood cancer.”

In addition to dining at Chili’s Monday, guests may also contribute to the campaign in numerous ways including:

• Making a donation to St. Jude and receiving a signature chili pepper coloring sheet;
• Buying a Create-A-Pepper HOPE slap band for only $4*;
• Purchasing a Create-A-Pepper T-shirt for $12*;
• Sending a virtual gift through www.stjude.org/chilisgifts. A virtual gift graphic will automatically post to guests’ Facebook wall when they donate.

Chili’s is also utilizing social and digital methods including email, Facebook and Twitter to provide guests more ways to donate and stay informed during the Create-A-Pepper campaign. Guests can:

• Sign up for Chili’s Email Club to receive exclusive offers, insider information about the campaign;
• Become a fan and donate on Facebook through the specialized Create-A-Pepper tab on Chili’s Facebook page;
• Receive a calendar reminder to dine in-restaurants on Donate Profits Day;
• Stay informed about the Create-A-Pepper campaign by following the brand on Twitter @Chilis. Additionally, by using the campaign hashtag, #CreateAPepper, Chili’s Twitter followers can show their support and see how others are spreading hope for St. Jude!

“ChiliHeads across the country believe in ‘giving back til it hurts,’ and Donate Profits Day is an ideal way to wrap-up our annual Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign for the patients at St. Jude,” said Wyman Roberts, president of Chili’s Grill & Bar. “It’s one day when we come together with our guests to make a difference in the lives of so many children. Please join us, Monday, Sept. 26 – whether dining in or ordering to go – to help find a cure for childhood cancer.”

To learn more or make an online donation to the campaign, visit www.createapepper.com.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital’s research has helped push overall survival rates for childhood cancer from less than 20 percent when the institution opened to almost 80 percent today. It is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children, and no family ever pays St. Jude for care. For more information, go to www.stjude.org and follow St. Jude on www.facebook.com/stjude and www.twitter.com/stjude.

Chili’s Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili’s offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,500 locations in 32 countries and two territories. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s Grill & Bar, and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Follow news about Chili’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chilis, @Chilis on Twitter and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/chilis. For more information, please visit www.chilis.com.

Each September during National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Chili’s Grill & Bar hosts a nationwide fundraiser for longtime charitable partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in an effort to raise $50 million in 10 years to support the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children. Throughout the Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign, guests at locations nationwide and in Puerto Rico can help support the lifesaving work of St. Jude through several in-restaurant, digital and interactive promotions. For additional information about the campaign, please visit www.createapepper.com.

*at least 45 percent of the purchase price of each slap band and T-shirt sold will be donated to St. Jude.

A passion for giving back combined with chef-created, made-from-scratch Italian-American food inspired the “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish” campaign. This annual fundraising campaign hosted by Maggiano’s Little Italy benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Maggiano’s announced today the eighth annual campaign raised $750,000 to help grant the wishes of 100 children. The brand surpassed the stated goal to raise enough money to grant two wishes per restaurant, and to date, Maggiano’s has raised $2.3 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Each year, our guests and teammates continue to open their hearts and stomachs to our ‘Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish’ campaign, and we are incredibly thankful for their dedication and generosity,” said Steve Provost, president of Maggiano’s Little Italy and board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas. “Thanks to their generous support, we were able to double last year’s funds raised, enabling us to give back to our communities who give us so much.”

The campaign featured eight chef’s special dishes – two pastas, four entrees and two desserts – as well as Leslie’s Lemonade, a refreshing peach and pomegranate lemonade named after eight-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient, Leslie. When guests ordered any of these items from the special menu, Maggiano’s made a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Throughout the campaign, teammates at restaurants nationwide also created fun and exciting ways to raise funds by hosting send-off or welcome home parties for deserving wish kids. Eighteen-year-old Cody and his family were treated to a VIP send-off party by teammates at Maggiano’s Willowbend in Plano, Texas, before his wish trip to Tuscany.  

“We are overwhelmed by the passion and support Maggiano’s guests and teammates show during the ‘Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish‘ campaign,” said David Williams, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. “Our ability to align with Maggiano’s for eight years now has enabled us to help enrich the lives of many children. Support from this year’s campaign has moved Maggiano’s into the top 10 national corporations supporting the Foundation.”  

Maggiano’s Little Italy specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano’s menu features both classic and contemporary recipes – authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts. Maggiano’s 45 locations worldwide offer lunch and dinner, delivery, carryout service and banquet spaces for special occasions. Maggiano’s is owned and operated by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 31 countries and two territories. In addition to Maggiano’s, Brinker owns and operates Chili’s Grill & Bar and holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

Profit at U.S. restaurant companies is widely expected to grow in the second quarter, with companies’ individual strengths expected to overshadow continuing pressure from commodity costs. Yum Brands Inc. (YUM) and McDonald’s Corp. (MCD) recently have fueled profitability with breathless expansion in China, where market growth has outpaced the U.S. Yum leads the pack, and it hopes to keep spreading not only with its traditional chains but also with home-grown Chinese brands. McDonald’s, its biggest competitor there, has significantly fewer locations but is aiming to add more there as part of a worldwide store-count expansion.

Eager investors have pushed Starbucks Corp.’s (SBUX) stock price to its highest level ever, anticipating the benefits of the coffee chain’s filtration into the single-serving-cup sector and its push to control more of its products sold outside its cafes. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (CMG) has watched its share value continue to reach new heights despite a widening investigation into workers’ immigration status, but the company lately has been a sound bet; its results consistently have outpaced average estimates in the past two years.

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Chili’s Grill & Bar is introducing several new flavors to the popular $20 Dinner for Two menu that are sure to ignite the senses. Available now for a limited time at participating locations nationwide, guests can enjoy the new Chicken Club Quesadillas, Santa Fe Sizzling Skillet or Hatch Chile Cheeseburger in addition to other favorites on the value-added menu.

Hatch green chile sauce, a key ingredient infused in two of the new menu items – Santa Fe Sizzling Skillet and Hatch Chile Cheeseburger, has a unique, mild taste similar to tomatillo salsa, which adds an extra burst of flavor to both dishes. Hatch chiles, traditionally grown in Hatch, N.M., are the perfect reflection of Chili’s Southwestern roots. New Chicken Club Quesadillas feature double-layered quesadillas stuffed with grilled chicken and Chili’s popular Fire-Grilled Corn Guacamole.

Hungry yet? Check out the ingredients that make up these enticing new entrees:

• Chicken Club Quesadillas: layers of grilled chicken, Applewood smoked bacon, Fire-Grilled Corn Guacamole, sauteed onions, bell pepper, Monterey Jack cheese and ancho-ranch dressing. Served with sour cream and house-made pico de gallo.
• Hatch Chile Cheeseburger: Chili’s signature Big Mouth Burger with mild roasted Hatch green chile sauce, Jalapeno Jack cheese, cilantro-lime mayo and house-made pico de gallo. Served with homestyle fries.
• Santa Fe Sizzling Skillet: cheese quesadillas, fajita chicken and grilled onions topped with Monterey Jack cheese and smothered in a mild roasted Hatch green chile sauce. Served in Chili’s sizzling skillet.

“Our guests tell us our $20 Dinner for Two is an offer that delivers great value at an affordable price,” said Krista Gibson, senior vice president of brand strategy for Chili’s Grill & Bar. “We wanted to build on that success by leveraging our brand favorites and integrating unique Southwestern flavors like the mild roasted Hatch green chiles.”

Got a sweet tooth? Chili’s can satisfy that appetite too with the new Caramel Apple Cobbler; a warm, decadent cinnamon apple cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce.

Cool off your taste buds with a refreshing Spiked Texas Sweet Tea. A grown-up version of the Texas favorite, Chili’s Spiked Texas Sweet Tea is made with Seagram’s Sweet Tea Vodka, fresh-squeezed lemons and agave nectar, to create a bold, refreshing taste.

Chili’s Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc., a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili’s offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,500 locations in 31 countries and two territories. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

Wolfgang Puck’s newest restaurant, CUT, has added an interactive wine list accessed by iPad to the Las Vegas location. Wait staff hands customers an iPad that displays listings of all spirits, beverages and wines offered by the restaurant. Smart Cellar designed the software that helps both guests and sommeliers choose the best wine for each meal choice.

Atlantic Lottery’s Coasters are unique entertainment locations that seamlessly combine gaming opportunities and a friendly bar atmosphere. Buzztime, a leading producer of electronic bar games, is adding their specialty game devices to nine Coasters locations in New Brunswick, Canada. The company has even added a new game with French text to make Coasters customers excited about playing Buzztime games.

Saladworks, a national fresh tossed salad chain, has been named one of the top 10 Best Franchise Deals. This award was bestowed upon the company by QSR Magazine. A feature piece in the June issue of the magazine explains the many reasons for choosing Saladworks, including unit volume sales of over $800,000 on average and low start up costs.

Quiznos is developing a new partnership with the convenience store chain Hess to open over 50 new locations in Florida gas stations. Quiznos is expanding into joint positions like this one to take advantage of pre-existing retail spaces. Building new locations from the ground up wastes money and space if there is already a built, finished space ready for the chain’s newest location.

Projections developed by the National Restaurant Association show that restaurants will add 425,000 new jobs this summer. This would amount to a 4.6 percent increase over the job totals measured in March. Summer employment hasn’t been that high since 2007, the year before the current economic recession began.

Seasons 52, a chain restaurant that combines fine dining with a full service piano bar, has chosen the next location to expand. Kansas City will soon be home to a new restaurant in the Country Club Plaza Shopping Center. This will be the 24^th location for the Seasons 52 chain, and is slated to open in early 2012.

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop has been a East Coast favorite for many decades, but they’ve announced plans to greatly expand their current menu. New items will include a wide range of salads to offer deli lovers an alternative to their famous sandwiches. The salads are topped with the same freshly prepared meats as the sandwiches, as well as gourmet toppings.

Food Network’s “Outrageous Foods” will feature the Muskegon eatery Bernie O’s Pizza. This will be the second Food Network appearance for a restaurant in the town. The newest episode of “Outrageous Foods” showcases the Firebird, a 28-inch pizza topped with the spiciest ingredients including minced jalapenos, hot sauce, breaded chicken and an extremely hot chili powder.

The Dickey’s Barbecue Pit restaurant in Oviedo is holding an anniversary celebration this Thursday. One lucky winner will walk away with a new 42-inch flat screen television. Customers can also win other prizes, including gift certificates and free food. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a $1 barbecue sandwich starting at 11 am and ending at 1 pm.

Brinker International is repaying stock dividends of $0.14 on June 30^th after a strong first quarter. The Board of Directors for the company has also freed up $250 million in funding to repurchase a large amount of the company’s common stock. The company operates over 1500 Chili’s locations and is a minority owner of Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

The Board of Directors for Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share on the common stock of the company.

The dividend will be paid on June 30, 2011 to shareholders of record as of June 17, 2011.

The Board of Directors also authorized an additional $250 million in share repurchases. As of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, Brinker had remaining share repurchase authorization of $258 million.

Brinker currently owns, operates or franchises 1,571 restaurants under the names Chili’s Grill & Bar (1,526 restaurants) and Maggiano’s Little Italy (45 restaurants) and holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

Brinker International has named David Parsley Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management.

In his new role, Parsley will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and oversee all aspects of supply chain management including the purchasing, distribution and quality assurance functions for Brinker International and its two brands, Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy.  

Parsley brings to Brinker a consistent record of leadership in large-scale procurement, logistics management, distribution and quality assurance for the restaurant industry, most recently as CEO of Centralized Supply Chain Service, a supply chain co-op buying primarily for DineEquity, Inc. Prior to that, Parsley spent a decade managing the same functions for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar.

“As rising commodity costs continue to put pressure on the foodservice industry, Brinker remains resolute in our proactive assault on margins,” said Doug Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Brinker International. “David Parsley is legendary in our industry for his proven ability to improve profitability and reduce procurement and delivery costs. As a member of the Brinker leadership team, Parsley will lead the charge to tackle the supply chain management critical to our business while continuing to deliver the high quality food and dining experience our guests have come to expect from our brands.”

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), is one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 31 countries and two territories and employs more than 100,000 team members. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

The eighth annual Maggiano’s Little Italy “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish” campaign begins today in restaurants nationwide. The program runs through June 29, giving guests several delicious ways to support a great cause. The campaign benefits the nonprofit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Aiming to grant at least two wishes per each of Maggiano’s 44 U.S. restaurants this year, guests will have the opportunity to contribute to the “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish” campaign in restaurants through a variety of ways:

• The “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish” menu – featuring six chef’s special dishes – one pasta, two entrees, two desserts – as well as a non-alcoholic beverage. When a guest orders any item from the special menu, Maggiano’s will donate $1 per food item and $.50 per drink to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Make-A-Wish Star cards – these inspiring decorative star-shaped cards adorn restaurants throughout the campaign – proudly displaying the names of patrons who have donated to the program. Guests can make a direct donation for an amount of their choosing to purchase a star card; 100 percent of the funds from star card sales will go directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Facebook it – New fans who “like” Maggiano’s on Facebook, in addition to existing fans, will receive a coupon redeemable in-restaurant when they order any of the Eat-A-Dish specials. For each Facebook coupon redemption, Maggiano’s will donate an additional $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Guests can either print the coupon from the Facebook tab or present it to their server on their smart phone.
• Maggiano’s retail sauces – Maggiano’s will donate $1 from the sale of each of the brand’s four pasta sauces, which are all-natural and gluten-free.

“In the eight years we’ve supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Maggiano’s has been able to raise more than $1.5 million to help make wishes come true, thanks to the dedication and generosity of our guests and teammates,” said Steve Provost, president of Maggiano’s Little Italy. “This year we’ve extended the campaign from six to eight weeks in an effort to grant more wishes for these inspiring children.”

In addition to the campaign, Maggiano’s restaurants continually support the Make-A-Wish Foundation throughout the year. Restaurants organize events to honor Make-A-Wish children, such as send-off parties before their wishes are granted or welcome-home parties after their wishes have come true. Additionally, Maggiano’s donates $1 from the sale of their featured dessert all throughout the year.

“Each year, we are proud to work with organizations like Maggiano’s that are committed to helping us improve the quality of life for so many wish children,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to the start of the “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish” campaign each year and are eager to see what this year’s campaign will bring.”

The May “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish” menu, which runs May 5 – June 1, includes:

• Bowtie Chicken with Aglio – tossed with asparagus, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, Calabrian chiles and Parmesan
• Chicken & Sausage Spiedini– grilled chicken and Italian sausage served with roasted peppers, onions, crispy potatoes and an herb vinaigrette
• Alberini-Style Shrimp with Risotto Milanese – Jumbo shrimp grilled with aglio olio and paprika. Finished with a roasted red pepper sauce, fresh chives and saffron risotto.

The June “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish” menu, which runs June 2 – June 29, includes:

• Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage – Chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and Swiss chard in a white wine sauce
• Grilled Chicken with Tomatoes and Orzo – Grilled chicken with a balsamic glaze, topped with bruschetta tomatoes and served with a side of tender orzo
• Lobster and Mascarpone Crusted Fish – Sautéed fish topped with lobster and mascarpone, served with grilled vegetables, balsamic and fresh tarragon

Both May and June menus will also include two decadent desserts and a non-alcoholic beverage:

• Fresh Berry Tiramisu – A new twist on an old favorite! A slice of heaven layered with fresh blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, orange-soaked lady fingers and sweet mascarpone cheese
• Flourless Chocolate Cake – A decadent flourless chocolate hazelnut cake served with hot fudge sauce and fresh strawberries
• Leslie’s Lemonade –A refreshing Peach and Pomegranate lemonade.  Leslie’s Lemonade is named after eight-year-old wish child Leslie from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Leslie’s wish is to go to the tropical Hawaiian Islands, and this June, thanks to Maggiano’s support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Leslie and her family are headed to Hawaii, where her wish will come true!

Maggiano’s Little Italy specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano’s menu features both classic and contemporary recipes — authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts. Maggiano’s 45 locations worldwide offer lunch and dinner, delivery, carryout service and banquet spaces for special occasions. Maggiano’s is owned and operated by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies, with more than 1,500 restaurants in 31 countries and two territories.  Brinker wholly owns and operates Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

The countdown to Cinco de Mayo at Chili’s Grill & Bar is underway and the casual dining brand invites guests to have a good time with friends for several days of fun and great eats. Commemorating the annual Hispanic cultural celebration, today through Wednesday all day, Chili’s is offering free Chips & Queso at participating locations nationwide. Skillet Queso, a guest favorite seasoned with ground beef and served with warm tostada chips and house-made salsa, is available with a purchase of any adult entree.

The Chips & Queso offer, available in the dining and bar areas, is the perfect start to kick off Cinco de Mayo. For guests eating in the bar area, Chili’s is sweetening the deal by touting a selection of popular appetizer specials including Southwestern Eggrolls, Crispy Onion String & Jalapeno Stack and more, now through Cinco de Mayo May 5.

Shake things up during Margarita Madness at Chili’s just in time for Cinco! The Cinco appetizer specials are perfectly complemented by a signature Presidente Margarita or one of Chili’s 13 other margaritas, made with premium ingredients. Chili’s is hyping up Margarita Madness across the country, encouraging guests to upload and share pictures of good times at Chili’s to www.chilismargaritamadness.com. One winner per day will receive a $20 Chili’s gift card and three lucky guests will have the opportunity to win a trip for two to a sunny Caribbean destination! Sometimes a (lime) wedge can bring people together, so head over to Chili’s to ring in Cinco de Mayo festivities with a freshly prepared margarita.

In celebration of Cinco at Chili’s, guests can open and print the following Chips & Queso coupon and redeem the special today through Wednesday at their local Chili’s, or display the coupon code on their smartphones to servers. The discounted appetizer offer is available in the bar area only.

Chili’s Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc., a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili’s offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,500 locations in 31 countries and two territories. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

Brinker International, a recognized leader in casual dining, has announced the election of David Deno, Michael Dixon and Jon Luther to its board of directors.

“The Governance and Nominating Committee, along with the Brinker board of directors at large, conducted an exhaustive search,” said Erle Nye, Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Brinker board of directors. “We are pleased to have identified three leaders of this caliber with strong restaurant and executive experience.”

“Our new board members bring extensive expertise in the fields of brand development and innovation, global growth and finance. The diversity of perspectives brought by these seasoned industry veterans will serve to further augment momentum behind Brinker’s strategic initiatives,” said Doug Brooks, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board for Brinker International. “In anticipation of two Brinker board members retiring later this year due to board retirement age provisions, we are adding three new directors to ensure leadership continuity.”

David Deno’s extensive restaurant background includes serving as CFO and COO at Yum! Brands Inc., and President and CEO of Quizno’s LLC. He currently serves as CFO for the International Division of Best Buy Co., Inc. Deno also holds a seat on the board of directors for Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc.

Michael Dixon, CFO for frozen yogurt leader Pinkberry since 2008, brings upscale casual dining expertise from his previous position as CFO for The Cheesecake Factory. His experience also includes finance and business development positions for The Walt Disney Company, Petsmart.com and Coopers & Lybrand.

Jon Luther, former CEO and now Chairman of Dunkin’ Brands, parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, brings a wealth of hospitality and brand development knowledge from previous leadership positions at Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, Marriott Corporation, ARAMARK and CA One Services, a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, Inc. Luther also serves on the board of directors for Six Flags Theme Parks and Wingstop; and on the board of trustees for the Culinary Institute of America.

Brinker International serves more than one million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 31 countries and two territories and employs more than 100,000 team members. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.

Brinker International has honored their most successful global franchisee with the “Franchisee of the Year” award. It was presented to Artur Jotic and his International Restaurant Services company. The company operates 17 Chili’s Bar and Grill locations in Puerto Rico. The company also helps train franchisees opening locations in similar cultures, such as the Middle East and Asia.

The 20^th annual shareholders meeting for Starbucks was held on March 23^rd. CEO Howard Schultz and the management team of the corporation outlined new plans for growth in the coming decades. One major area of focus for the meeting was expanding the Starbucks brand beyond retail locations. The agreement with HMSHost, which places Starbucks coffee in motor and air travel centers around the world, was also renewed at the event.

The Starbucks Digital Network has also expanded recently. Marvel Digital Comics, Yahoo! and The Economist have all joined forces with Starbucks to offer unique digital content to customers. The network offers a number of channels, including news & sports, entertainment and business and careers. Accessing the network requires a laptop or mobile device for connecting to the free WiFi at a Starbucks retail location.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries, a restaurant chain that offers fast casual hamburger based dining, has received a $100 million development capital credit from GE Capital. The company plans to use the funding to continue with expected growth that will lead to new locations in many states across the country. The chain currently operates 640 locations, with over 300 of them opening in the past three years alone.

The President of the Moe’s Southwest Grill chain, Paul Damico, says that going green and becoming environmentally aware in your restaurant business practices can bring in new customers. Due to the rising popularity of grain fed beef, organic vegetables and lower amounts of waste, customers are now looking for restaurants that fit their own environmentally conscious practices. Healthy, all natural ingredients appeal to a customer base that is rapidly growing.

Dairy Queen has started a new online video contest to promote random acts of kindness that will award one lucky winner with a Mini Cooper Countryman car. Contest participants must catch themselves helping someone or offering a spontaneous act of kindness with a new Mini Blizzard in their hand to enter. Entries will be accepted until April 30^th, and will be judged based on creativity and content.

International Waffle Day was March 25^th, and IHOP gave the day its full support. Although the chain is named after their buttermilk pancakes, the waffles at IHOP are just as important. Customers can choose from multiple fresh fruit toppings, a healthy waffle that keeps calories low without losing the great taste or the Southern classic meal of chicken and waffles.

The Saladworks chain has announced the roll out of new whole wheat pasta in the salad toppings case of their restaurants. Three new soups are also being added to the 15 current varieties. The soups are Asparagus & Pea, Loaded Baked Potato and Lasagna. The pasta offers more fiber and nutrients that bleached wheat varieties, and the three soups are all under 200 calories per serving.

Caribou Coffee, the second largest coffee shop chain in the country, has received a new customer service award from J.D. Power & Associates. They were the only coffee company to receive the award this year. Companies that win stand out above other competitors in their industry as well as against 800 other companies tested by the award panel.

OpenTable is now focusing on sending in walk-in traffic as well as online restaurant reservations. The company currently works with over 20,000 restaurants in the U.S. and receives a small fee for every customer it refers. The Connect tool helps restaurants that do not focus on formal reservations, such as small cafes or other informal settings, bring in new customers as well.

Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. recently presented Puerto Rico franchise partner, International Restaurant Services, Inc. (IRSI) and the company’s president Artur Jotic, the “Franchisee of the Year” award, Brinker’s highest honor bestowed upon a global franchisee.

In addition to operating 17 Chili’s Grill & Bar locations throughout Puerto Rico, the company also employs more than 40 certified trainers who work with other Brinker franchisees across the world. These trainers assist with new restaurant openings in cultures similar to theirs, helping the team prepare for the first several months of operation. IRSI has supported international restaurant openings in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

“Artur is not only a true leader dedicated to building the Chili’s brand in Puerto Rico but also a strategic partner in developing our brand across the world, specifically in Latin America,” said Carin Stutz, president of global business development for Brinker. “Artur and his team help other groups achieve success by providing guidance, feedback on best practices and training leaders from other groups. They are our gold standard.”

Brinker’s global franchisees currently operate more than 225 restaurants in 30 countries and two territories, outside the United States. The “Franchisee of the Year” award is given to franchisees that consistently execute and deliver the best guest experience, while driving their business in international markets. Their performance is rated by Brinker’s guest experience measurement tool as well as several other standards.

“This recognition is the result of many years of effort from a combination of training, operations and support services,” said Jotic. “We hold our restaurant teams and our certified trainers to a very high standard of operational excellence. These groups work with Brinker’s global business development team to make our company successful; we are honored to be recognized.”

Brinker International is one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 31 countries and two territories and employs more than 100,000 team members. Brinker’s wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

Whether or not there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or a leprechaun with a four-leaf clover in sight, everybody is Irish this St. Patrick’s Day. So this Thursday only, guests can find their luck as they celebrate the Irish holiday at Chili’s Grill & Bar and have a cold, refreshing green beer at participating locations nationwide.

Thursday also kicks off the opening round of the men’s college basketball tournament and is considered to be one of the year’s ‘least productive work days’ because of all the action on the hardwoods throughout the day. Those drawn into the madness can keep a close eye on their brackets and cheer on their favorite teams to victory with Chili’s ‘winning combination’ of bar specials and appetizers. Guests who want to catch the action in the bar area can complement their green beer with a variety of discounted appetizers, featuring favorites like Southwestern Eggrolls, Texas Cheese Fries, Boneless Buffalo Wings and more. Also available are deals on select draft beers, margaritas and well drinks. Prices and participation may vary by location.

According to a study by the National Restaurant Association, more than a quarter of Americans plan to visit a restaurant or bar on March 17. Of those planning to celebrate at a restaurant or bar, 15 percent said the most important factor to them was whether the location would air the men’s basketball tournament.

“People are looking for an excuse to sneak out and watch the games this Thursday, so why not join us at Chili’s and enjoy a cold green brew, eat some great food and hopefully watch your teams get ‘lucky’ and advance to the next round?” said Scott Zaleskin, senior marketing director for Chili’s Grill & Bar.

Chili’s is spicing things up as the destination of choice for all things St. Patrick’s Day and college hoops and encourages guests to take advantage of the green beer special, which is available for domestic and import selections served on tap in both the dining room and bar areas.

Chili’s Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc.  For more information, please visit www.chilis.com.

Chili’s Grill & Bar sizzled in snow-covered Moscow’s hottest nightspot and historical city center, Novy Arbat, when the doors opened to the first Chili’s in Russia. The American brand that paved the way for casual dining chains as the restaurant industry grew in the United States, was welcomed to Russia with great fanfare earlier this month.

Local residents and ex-pats alike embraced the flavors of the West surrounded by Chili’s iconic décor in the heart of Moscow. In comparison to Chili’s U.S. menus, the menu at the Novy Arbat restaurant offers a variety of pastas, a step-by-step guide on how to build a fajita and an expansive menu with premium spirits, which are available by the bottle and served tableside. These menu adaptations were based on Chili’s global chefs’ research of Russian lifestyles and local cuisine preferences.

In 2010, Chili’s parent-company, Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), announced four target countries in which the casual dining leader would seek development of the brand – Brazil, Russia, India and China. In addition to Russia, Chili’s currently serves up its famous fajitas at four restaurants in India and plans to open in Brazil later in the year. Brinker at present owns, operates and franchises more than 220 restaurants outside the U.S., with Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy locations in 30 additional countries and two territories.

“Casual dining overseas is akin to the growth we saw 15 to 20 years ago here in the United States,” said Carin Stutz, president of global business development for Brinker International. “Consumers in emerging countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China are highly focused on iconic brands and they buy accordingly, which gives Brinker a unique opportunity to expand the reach of our restaurants, connect with local consumers and drive loyalty to our brand.”

Chili’s unique ambience and its famous Southwestern-inspired food became part of the local scene in Moscow, as crowds gathered to sample hand-shaken Presidente Margaritas and delicious fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs at the VIP event. More than 180 guests enjoyed the event, complete with a live band, karaoke contest and a cooking demo by Chili’s corporate chefs.

The first Chili’s in Russia was developed by Russian franchisee Interdining Group, and as part of the agreement, 25 restaurants are slated for development in the Russian Federation by June 2017. Interdining Group is a privately held company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and formed by three business partners for the sole purpose of developing and operating Chili’s Grill & Bar in the Russian Federation.

“Franchisees like Interdining Group who are experts in the local market and consumer trends are valuable to our success and we’re proud to partner with them as we extend our international presence into one of the world’s largest consumer markets,” said Stutz.

Located at 17 Novy Arbat, Moscow, the 188-seat restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Today, the Board of Directors for Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share on the common stock of the company. The dividend will be paid on March 31, 2011 to shareholders of record as of March 11, 2011.

Brinker currently owns, operates, or franchises 1,560 restaurants under the names Chili’s Grill & Bar (1,515 restaurants) and Maggiano’s Little Italy (45 restaurants), and holds a minority investment in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

Chili’s Grill & Bar is giving a free Brownie Sundae to all 675,000-plus of the brand’s Facebook fans to celebrate the social site’s seventh birthday. The coupon will be available starting Friday, Feb. 4 at 8 a.m. CST via a post on Chili’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Chilis. This nationwide tasty treat is valid at participating locations and gives Chili’s Facebook fans a birthday present to satisfy any sweet tooth. To redeem the dessert offer, guests can either print off the coupon or display the code via their smart phones to a Chili’s server. This special which runs through Thursday, Feb. 10, rewards guests with a weeklong birthday celebration in honor of Facebook.

“Facebook gives us a fun, interactive way to engage our guests and connect with them beyond the four walls of our restaurants,” said Nicole Cochran, marketing director for Chili’s Grill & Bar. “Members of the Chili’s e-mail club receive a Brownie Sundae as a present on their birthday, and in this same spirit, we’re giving our Facebook community this unique gift.”

In addition to this exclusive offer, fans who “Like” Chili’s on Facebook can now participate in weekly gift card giveaways, trivia questions and special social media coupons as well as receive sneak peeks for the latest announcements regarding Chili’s deals and promotions. For early access to Chili’s Facebook birthday coupon, click here http://bit.ly/gQi5BQ.

U.S. ribs-and-cocktails restaurant chain Chili’s opened its first restaurant in Moscow on Wednesday, joining a throng of companies keen to cash in on Russia’s consumer spending boom and growing middle class.

The company, owned by Brinker International Inc, has seen sales of its Mexican-style ribs, chicken wings and margaritas slow on its home front, and thinks Russian diners will help reverse the trend.

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Let’s do lunch! Chili’s Grill & Bar recognizes today’s guests want an enjoyable lunch experience that taps into their need for menu offerings that add value and won’t break the bank.  Well, Chili’s new Lunch Break combos satisfy all those needs!  A permanent fixture to Chili’s extensive menu, the Lunch Break combinations are offered with the low price points of $6, $7 and $8, allowing guests to build their ideal lunch.

How to build the perfect lunch combo?  Start off with a House Salad, and/or a bowl of soup, including Terilingua Chili, Chicken Enchilada, Sweet Corn, Chicken & Green Chile or the soup of the day.  Then add a half sandwich or specialized lunch entree and homestyle fries.  Available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all combos are lunch-sized portions.  Feeling hungry yet?  It won’t be long after checking out these tasty entree options:

• $6 combos
  • Southwestern BLT Toasted Sandwich
  • New Classic Turkey Toasted Sandwich
  • Grilled Ham & Cheese Toasted Sandwich
• $7 combos
  • Big Mouth Burger Bites (2)
  • Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
  • Over-the-Top Cobb Salad
• $8 combos
  • Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • California Club Toasted Sandwich
  • Fajita Chicken Toasted Sandwich

“Our Lunch Break combos showcase Chili’s bold, innovative flavors but importantly, offer a balance of value, affordability and facilitates choices for our guests,” said Edithann Ramey, senior director of marketing for Chili’s Grill & Bar.  ”It’s lunch at Chili’s like never before that I know will resonate well with the workplace individual who is pressed for time.”

Fans of the Bottomless Express Lunch no need to worry; the menu which includes unlimited soup, House Salad and tostada chips and house-made salsa is still available to order.

For full descriptions of Chili’s Lunch Break entrees, please visit www.chilis.com or follow the brand on Facebook (www.facebook.com/chilis) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/chilis).

Come find food for every mood at Chili’s Grill & Bar with the brand’s introduction of the new ‘Wild or Mild’ menu. Guests can take their taste buds for a ride on the wild side with kicked up versions of Chili’s favorites or enjoy classic flavors with the original recipes. For a limited time at participating Chili’s locations nationwide, the ‘Wild or Mild’ menu features two appetizers and six entrees, giving guests a sample of flavorful items which are sure to ignite the senses.

Chili’s ‘Wild or Mild’ menu options include:

WILD:

• NEW Kicked-Up Queso – Chili’s Skillet Queso kicked up with chipotle spice, house-made pico de gallo and topped with fire-roasted jalapenos. Served with warm tostada chips and house-made salsa.
• NEW Blazin’ Big Mouth Bites – four peppercorn-crusted mini burgers with jalapeno-mayo, jalapenos and American cheese. Served with crispy onion strings, homestyle fries and a side of ranch dressing.
• Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers – tossed in Chili’s honey-chipotle sauce. Served with corn on the cob, homestyle fries and ranch dressing.
• NEW Jalapeno Chicken Quesadillas – with onions, peppers, jalapeno seasoning and jalapeno- Jack cheese. Served with sour cream, house-made pico de gallo and ancho-ranch dressing.  

MILD:

• Skillet Queso – Chili’s signature hot, melted cheese dip with ground seasoned beef. Served with warm tostada chips and house-made salsa.
• Big Mouth Bites – four mini burgers with layers of flavor – applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, sautéed onions and ranch dressing. Served with crispy onion strings, homestyle fries and a side of ranch dressing.
• NEW Crispy Sweet Maple BBQ Chicken Crispers – tossed in Chili’s new sweet maple BBQ sauce. Served with corn on the cob, homestyle fries and ranch dressing.
• Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas – with applewood smoked bacon and cheese. Served with sour cream, house-made pico de gallo and salsa-ranch dressing.  

“‘Wild or Mild’ is the best of both worlds for guests who want to spice up their taste buds with our extra bold flavors, or go for something with less kick and just as mouth-watering, like our new Crispy Sweet Maple BBQ Chicken Crispers,” said Krista Gibson, Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy for Chili’s Grill & Bar. “From hot and spicy to traditional and savory, Chili’s menu has it all.”

This holiday season, give your wallet a break and your friends and family a gift they’ll actually use – a gift card from Chili’s Grill & Bar.  Now through Jan. 9, guests who buy $100 or more of Chili’s gift cards will instantly receive 10 percent off their entire gift card purchase.

Chili’s guests can also purchase eGift cards online.  Chili’s eGift cards allow guests to select a decorative background or upload an image for a customized design.  Users can select the gift card value and create a personalized greeting.  Once the recipient’s e-mail address is added, guests have the flexibility to choose a specific delivery date or send instantly.

Guests can print out the eGift card to redeem at Chili’s locations nationwide.  They may also use the eGift card with Chili’s new online ordering by simply placing an order at www.chilistogo.com and selecting “Pay at Restaurant” option at checkout.

“Holiday shopping can be stressful with crowded malls and shopping for last minute gifts, so make it easy this year by giving friends and family a night out at their local Chili’s,” said Krista Gibson, senior vice president of brand strategy for Chili’s Grill & Bar.  ”Whether purchased in the restaurant or online, Chili’s gift cards are the perfect present. It is the gift of time to connect and unwind with family or friends over great food and drink, without the effort of cooking and cleaning!”

Gift cards can be purchased at participating Chili’s locations nationwide as well as online.  To order a gift card online, log onto www.chilis.com and click on “Gift Cards” under the “Shop Chili’s” tab.