Brinker Global Development Names Puerto Rico Franchisee, International Restaurant Services, Inc., "Franchisee of the Year"

DALLAS, March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) recently presented Puerto Rico franchise partner, International Restaurant Services, Inc. (IRSI) and the company's president Artur Jotic, the "Franchisee of the Year" award, Brinker's highest honor bestowed upon a global franchisee.

In addition to operating 17 Chili's® Grill & Bar locations throughout Puerto Rico, the company also employs more than 40 certified trainers who work with other Brinker franchisees across the world. These trainers assist with new restaurant openings in cultures similar to theirs, helping the team prepare for the first several months of operation. IRSI has supported international restaurant openings in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

"Artur is not only a true leader dedicated to building the Chili's brand in Puerto Rico but also a strategic partner in developing our brand across the world, specifically in Latin America," said Carin Stutz, president of global business development for Brinker. "Artur and his team help other groups achieve success by providing guidance, feedback on best practices and training leaders from other groups. They are our gold standard."

Brinker's global franchisees currently operate more than 225 restaurants in 30 countries and two territories, outside the United States. The "Franchisee of the Year" award is given to franchisees that consistently execute and deliver the best guest experience, while driving their business in international markets. Their performance is rated by Brinker's guest experience measurement tool as well as several other standards.

"This recognition is the result of many years of effort from a combination of training, operations and support services," said Jotic. "We hold our restaurant teams and our certified trainers to a very high standard of operational excellence. These groups work with Brinker's global business development team to make our company successful; we are honored to be recognized."

ABOUT BRINKER INTERNATIONAL

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), is one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 31 countries and two territories and employs more than 100,000 team members. Brinker's wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili's® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill®. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.

SOURCE Brinker International, Inc.