Chili's(R) Grill & Bar Opens First Location in Toronto, Ontario

By: Chili's Grill & Bar | 1 Shares 202 Reads

Brinker International's Thriving Global Development Continues as Chili's enters the fourth largest city in North America

Dallas, // PRNewswire-FirstCall // -- Brinker International (NYSE: EAT) announced the opening of the first Chili's Grill & Bar location in the Greater Toronto area, marking Brinker's entry into the largest market in Canada.

Brinker now owns, operates and franchises 205 restaurants outside the United States, with locations in 28 countries and two territories. As part of the company's goal to become the globally dominant casual dining restaurant portfolio company, Brinker International plans to have 500 restaurants open outside the U. S. by 2014.

The Toronto Chili's, developed by Top Down Enterprises, Inc. (TDE), is located in Vaughan as part of the Colossus Centre. The restaurant is the first of a five restaurant, five-year agreement that will expand the Brinker presence throughout Toronto. "We're ready to 'Pepper in Some Fun(TM)' in Ontario with our enthusiastic team, Southwestern-inspired menu, vibrant, inviting setting and unmatched hospitality," said Heath Everett, CEO and Owner/Operator for TDE.

"The Chili's brand has a strong presence in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and we're excited to work with TDE to open more restaurants in Canada's largest city," said John Reale, President of Global Business Development for Brinker International. "As the cultural, financial and entertainment capital of Canada, Toronto offers vast growth potential for Chili's. We know we can capitalize on the existing awareness of the brand while introducing a unique Southwest American casual dining experience not currently available in the Greater Toronto Area."

Much like in the U.S., the menu at Chili's Toronto offers a variety of Southwestern American favorites such as Sizzling Fajitas, Baby Back Ribs, Big Mouth Burgers(R), as well as signature items such as Southwestern Eggrolls and Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers(R), served in a fun, energetic atmosphere where you can enjoy a hand-shaken Presidente Margarita(R).

Chili's Vaughan, located at 21 Colossus Drive, Unit # 125, in the RioCan Colossus Centre can be reached at (905) 264-9977. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday.

About Brinker International

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 1,700 restaurants in 28 countries and two territories, and employs more than 125,000. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's(R) Grill & Bar, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R) and Maggiano's Little Italy(R). Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill. The company was named one of FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Food Service Companies in 2009 and was honored by the magazine as one of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and the Top 50 Employers for Women.

SOURCE Brinker International, Inc.

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