Brinker Global Business Development Names Mexico Franchise Partner, Alsea, Recipient of 2012 "Franchisee of the Year" Award

DALLAS, July 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) recently honored global franchise partner, Alsea, with the "Franchisee of the Year" award for the excellence the company has achieved operating 34 Chili's^® Grill & Bar restaurants throughout Mexico. The "Franchisee of the Year" award is the highest honor bestowed on a Brinker franchisee and is determined by measuring several operational standards, including guest experience, team member engagement and sales.  

Alsea has been a valuable franchise partner of Brinker since 2005 when they began operating their first restaurant in Mexico. To this day, Alsea consistently delivers a superior guest experience and continues to expand the Chili's brand with the latest restaurant opening in Mexico City in May 2012. 

"Alsea's steadfast commitment to operational excellence, as well as their development and execution of innovative marketing promotions, has built brand loyalty and introduced a growing number of international guests to the wide variety of flavors Chili's has to offer," said William Urrego, Regional Vice President for Brinker's Global Business Development. "Alsea also holds a deep understanding of the restaurant industry in Mexico, and it is this breadth of knowledge that has made them a vital resource for developing the Chili's brand in other international markets."

"We are honored to be recognized with this award as it validates the high quality standards, passion and hard work of our more than 1,700 operations and support team members," Armando Torrado, President of Casual Dining for Alsea. "Mexico has an affinity for Chili's and we will continue to serve the bold and fresh flavors our guests enjoy, while working with Brinker's global business development team to identify innovative ways to introduce the iconic brand to an even broader population."

Brinker's global franchisees currently operate more than 258 restaurants in 31 countries and two territories outside of the United States.

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), 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 32 countries and two territories. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's^® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy^®. Brinker also holds a minority stake in Romano's Macaroni Grill^®. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.

SOURCE Brinker International