EAT Brinker International Inc

Brinker International Announces February Sales DALLAS, March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brinker International, Inc. , a leader in casual dining, announced today comparable store sales increased 4.1 percent for the four-week period ending February 25, 2004. February comparable store sales for the four reported brands were as follows: February FY '04 February FY '03 Chili's 4.2% 2.3% Macaroni Grill 2.4% -0.9% Maggiano's 6.3% -0.1% On The Border 5.3% -1.0% February comparable store sales were negatively impacted by approximately 1 percent due to the calendar shift of Super Bowl weekend from the January period in fiscal 2003 to the February period in fiscal 2004. This negative impact was offset by favorable weather comparisons to last year, which positively impacted February 2004 comparable store sales by 1.0 to 1.5 percent. February price increases and product mix-shifts for Brinker and the four reported brands were as follows: Price Increase Product Mix-Shift Brinker 2.3% -0.5% Chili's 2.5% -0.9% Macaroni Grill 2.1% 0.3% Maggiano's 2.4% 2.5% On The Border 1.3% -0.4% Brinker now anticipates third quarterfiscal 2004 earnings to be $0.52 to $0.53 per share, based on quarterly comparable store sales growth in the 0 to 2 percent range. As previously noted, the Christmas Day calendar shift will decrease third quarter comparable store sales by approximately 1 percent. A recorded message providing perspective on February sales information will be available beginning Wednesday, March 3rd at 4:30 p.m. EST through Friday, March 5th by dialing 1-973-528-0005 and entering pass code 1313. Brinker International either owns, operates, franchises, or is involved in the ownership of 1,466 restaurants under the names Chili's Grill & Bar (955 units), Romano's Macaroni Grill (217 units), Maggiano's Little Italy (28 units), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (133 units), Corner Bakery Cafe (89 units), Big Bowl Asian Kitchen (20 units), and Rockfish Seafood Grill (24 units). The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and, consequently, could be affected by general business and economic conditions, the impact of competition, the seasonality of the company's business, adverse weather conditions, future commodity prices, fuel and utility costs and availability, governmental regulations, and inflation. Contacts: Louis Adams, Media Relations Hil Davis, Investor Relations (972) 770-4967 (972) 770-7228 DATASOURCE: Brinker International, Inc. CONTACT: Louis Adams, Media Relations, +1-972-770-4967, or Hil Davis, Investor Relations, +1-972-770-7228, both of Brinker International, Inc. Web site: http://www.brinker.com/

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