Trio Of NFL Players to Add Sizzle to Chili's New Smokehouse Bacon Burgers

By: Chili's Grill & Bar | 0 Shares 137 Reads

DALLAS, Jan 30, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Chili's Grill & Bar(R) has drafted three of the NFL's hottest players to help promote its new Smokehouse Bacon Burgers while raising funds for charity.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook will each represent one of three new Chili's Smokehouse Bacon Burgers in the name of their favorite charity. Available now, guests are encouraged to visit their neighborhood Chili's to taste these new burgers, because the player with the best-selling burger at the end of the 60-day promotional period will receive $10,000 from Chili's to donate to their charity of choice.

"These three new Smokehouse Bacon Burgers are sure to satisfy the hungriest of appetites," said Todd Diener, president of Chili's Grill & Bar. "We are proud to team up with these great athletes for a promotion our guests can get excited about and, more importantly, support their charities and the communities they serve."

Guests can visit http://www.chilis.com to track the competition and register for prizes, including an all-expense-paid trip for two to any 2008 regular season pro or college football game and team helmets autographed by Peterson, Brees, and Westbrook.

Peterson, who set the NFL rushing record in a game this season with 296 yards in the Vikings' win over San Diego, is highlighting the new Chili's Jalapeno Smokehouse Bacon Burger. His charity of choice is the Adrian Peterson's All Day Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for the purpose of inspiring hope, enriching children's lives and building a better future for our children.

"I'm excited about teaming with Chili's, Brian and Drew to help in the launch of these burgers," said Peterson, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,341 yards and a starter for the NFC in the 2008 Pro Bowl. "I hope all of my fans get a chance to vote for my burger."

Brees, who set numerous New Orleans passing records in 2007, was a starter for the NFC in the Pro Bowl following the 2006 season when he led the Saints to their first NFC Championship Game. Brees is supporting the Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger, to benefit the Drew Brees Foundation -- which provides care, education and opportunities for children facing adversity. For more information on the Drew Brees Foundation, please visit http://www.drewbrees.com.

"This is a fun opportunity for me to help launch a new menu item for Chili's while raising awareness for my foundation," said Brees. "My foundation has always partnered with quality companies and working with Chili's is no exception."

Selected as a starter for the NFC at the 2008 Pro Bowl in Hawaii, Westbrook will promote the Smokehouse Bacon Triple-the-Cheese Burger. Westbrook has partnered with Soaring Toward Educational Enrichment via Equine Discovery (STEEED), a non-profit effort aimed at providing District children equestrian, ecological and environmental science education and recreation activities through after-school, Saturday morning, teen work-study, and summer camp programs. Additional information can be found by logging onto http://www.steeed.org.

"I hope to tie in my success on the field to winning this contest for charity against these other great NFL players," said Westbrook, who set Philadelphia records in 2007 for receptions in a season with 90 and yards from scrimmage with 2,104.

About Chili's new Smokehouse Bacon Burgers

Chili's invites guests to Pepper in Some triple-thick bacon with Chili's new Smokehouse Bacon Burgers. They're mammoth-sized burgers, featuring extra-thick strips of bacon, seasoned and grilled to perfection, and only available at Chili's.

Chili's Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger features fire-grilled, thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, seasoned with brown sugar and a blend of four chile peppers. The burger is also made with extra-thick sliced smoked Cheddar cheese, crispy onion strings and mayonnaise with delicious ancho chile barbeque sauce on the side.

Chili's Jalapeno Smokehouse Bacon Burger is prepared with juicy triple-thick, applewood-smoked bacon that's grilled to perfection. It's layered with sliced smoked Cheddar cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, jalapenos, and mayonnaise with house-made jalapeno-ranch dressing on the side.

Chili's Smokehouse Bacon Triple-the-Cheese Burger features extra-thick applewood-smoked bacon seasoned with jalapeno spice and fire-grilled. It's triple-layered with flavorful cheeses -- sliced smoked Cheddar, Swiss, and Provolone -- and is made with sauteed onions and jalapeno-ranch dressing.

About Chili's Grill & Bar
Chili's Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili's offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,400 locations in 25 countries. Other Brinker brands include Romano's Macaroni Grill(R), Maggiano's Little Italy(R) and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R). For more information, please visit http://www.chilis.com.

SOURCE Chili's Grill & Bar