Brinker International Inc. (EAT) expects franchisees to open fewer restaurants in the U.S. in the coming fiscal year due to tight credit and a difficult real estate market.

Brinker expects franchisees to open 44 to 54 new restaurants in fiscal 2010, compared to a previous view for 51 to 61 new stores, Brinker's Chairman and Chief Executive Douglas Brooks told investors Tuesday on an earnings call.

Earlier, Brinker reported fiscal first-quarter earnings ahead of analyst estimates, with sales falling less-than-expected as aggressive discounts provided enough of a boost in traffic.

Brinker shares were recently down 57 cents, or 3.5%, at $15.94.

-By Paul Ziobro, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2194; paul.ziobro@dowjones.com
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