Brinker International, Inc. (or simply Brinker) is an American
multinationalhospitality industry company that owns
Chili's and
Maggiano's Little Italyrestaurant chains. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker currently owns, operates, or franchises 1,672 restaurants under the names Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy worldwide.[4][1]
1991: Chili's, Inc. is renamed Brinker International, Inc. (Brinker).
1992: Brinker reaches an agreement with Pac-Am Food Concepts to expand the Chili's brand to the Far East.[citation needed]
1995: Brinker establishes a strategic partnership with
Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. In August, the company completed the acquisition of Maggiano's.
2000: Norman Brinker steps down as company chairman.
2005: Brinker announces international expansion plans. Brinker also sells off the
Corner Bakery Cafe concept.
2008: In December, Brinker sells a majority stake of Romano's Macaroni Grill to Mac Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of
Golden Gate Capital.[3]
2012: In May, the
Supreme Court of California issued its much-awaited decision in Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court. The Brinker decision gave important guidance to employers regarding meal breaks, rest periods, and class certification.[6]
2013: On February 7, 2013, Brinker announced the election of Wyman Roberts to its board of directors. Roberts served as CEO and President of Brinker International, and President of Chili's Grill & Bar until his retirement in June of 2022. Roberts' Brinker tenure includes his role as President of Chili's since 2009. Previously, Roberts also served as Brinker's Chief Marketing Officer and President of the Maggiano's Little Italy brand.[4]