EAT Brinker International Inc

Eleven Restaurants to Be Developed, Including First Chili's Grill & Bar and Romano's Macaroni Grill in Montana DALLAS, May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) has signed franchise and development commitments with two new partners, Shoot the Moon and Bighorn Associates. These agreements will accelerate the company's growth in the Northwest U.S. and establish the first Chili's Grill & Bar and Romano's Macaroni Grill restaurants in the state of Montana. Shoot the Moon, LLC has acquired a franchise territory in Washington, Idaho and Montana, including seven corporate-owned Chili's restaurants in Washington and Idaho. Over the next five years, Shoot the Moon will develop seven new locations, including the first Chili's and Macaroni Grill restaurants to be built in Montana. Development of the Montana restaurants marks a milestone for Brinker, which previously had restaurants in 49 of the 50 states. Through the agreement, Bighorn Associates will significantly increase Chili's brand penetration in Wyoming. Bighorn purchased one corporate-owned restaurant in Cheyenne, Wyo. and committed to develop four more Chili's locations in the surrounding area. In the current fiscal year, Brinker's domestic and international franchisees have purchased 16 corporately-owned restaurants and signed agreements to develop an additional 104 restaurants over the next ten years. "I am extremely pleased to welcome these experienced restaurant operators to the Brinker family," said Chuck Sonsteby, chief financial officer for Brinker International. "These agreements allow for accelerated development of our brands in the Northwest, furthering our commitment to bring Brinker's renowned dining experience, value and convenience to new markets." Brinker International, Inc. 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 24 countries and employs more than 100,000. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and Maggiano's Little Italy. The company was named one of FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Companies in 2006 and in 2005 was honored by the magazine as one of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and the Top 50 Employers for Women. For more information visit http://www.brinker.com/ . DATASOURCE: Brinker International, Inc. CONTACT: Stacey Calbert, Media Relations of Brinker International, Inc., +1-800-775-7290 Web site: http://www.brinker.com/

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