DALLAS, April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost
one year from the day when a young girl with autism was served a
"broken cheeseburger" and a team member unknowingly saved the day,
the lessons of compassion and understanding learned from a viral
Facebook post still endure at every Chili's® Grill & Bar
restaurant across the country.
The story began at a Chili's in Midvale, Utah where a server presented a
little girl with her Kid's Cheeseburger cut in half. Unbeknownst to
the server, however, Chili's standard presentation of a sliced
cheeseburger signified the burger was "broken" to the guest. The
server quickly had a new dish made and while the deed was seemingly
small for the restaurant team, it made a profound impact on the
child and her family as she joyfully kissed the "fixed"
cheeseburger.
A family member's Facebook post thanking the restaurant for
their care in the matter garnered attention from national media and
thousands of Chili's fans. Since then, the server and young girl's
friendship has continued and inspired the brand's recent efforts to
support the autism community. On Monday,
April 7 as part of National Autism Awareness Month,
participating Chili's restaurants nationwide will host a Give Back
Event, donating 10 percent of qualifying guest checks to the
National Autism Association (NAA).
"The 'Broken Cheeseburger' story shines a light on the caring
spirit and actions of Chili's team members. These moments happen in
our restaurants every day, at every table, at every Chili's across
the country," said Krista Gibson,
chief marketing officer for Chili's Grill & Bar. "We are proud
to support the National Autism Association while celebrating one of
the brand's favorite stories of hospitality during nationally
recognized Autism Awareness Month."
To contribute to NAA, guests simply need to mention the Give
Back Event to their server or show the event flier when dining at
any of the 1,249 participating Chili's restaurants for lunch or
dinner Monday, April 7. NAA is a
nonprofit organization providing research funding, advocacy,
support and education for the autism community with the goal of
helping all affected by the neurodevelopmental disorder reach their
full potential.
"We are extremely grateful to everyone at Chili's for supporting
the National Autism Association's programs with this Give Back
Event," said Wendy Fournier,
president of the National Autism Association. "As parents of
children with autism, we were incredibly touched last year when we
heard about the 'Broken Cheeseburger' story because what may seem
like just a small act of kindness can truly mean the world to
families like ours."
For more information and to find a local Chili's restaurant
supporting NAA, visit Chilis.com.
About National Autism Association
National Autism
Association (NAA) is the leading voice on issues related to autism
safety and crisis prevention. The organization's mission is to
respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing
real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full
potential.
About Chili's Grill & Bar
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
variety of Southwestern-inspired, classic American favorites at
more than 1,500 locations in 33 countries and two territories. In
addition to Chili's, Brinker owns and operates Maggiano's Little
Italy®.
At Chili's, More Life Happens Here® around every table,
every day, at every Chili's across the country. Guests are
encouraged to share their stories of More Life Happening at their
Chili's by connecting with the brand on Facebook
(http://facebook.com/chilis), Twitter (http://twitter.com/chilis),
YouTube (http://youtube.com/chilis) and Pinterest
(http://pinterest.com/chilis). For more brand-related information,
please visit http://www.chilis.com.
SOURCE Chili's Grill & Bar