Brinker International Names Scotty Hines Top Nationwide GM of the Year

By: Brinker International | 0 Shares 118 Reads

Michigan On The Border operator receives Brinker's highest honor

DALLAS /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Casual dining leader, Brinker International, Inc., (NYSE: EAT) parent company of Chili's(R) Grill & Bar, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R) and Maggiano's Little Italy(R), recently named Scotty Hines its nationwide, cross-brand 'General Manager of the Year.' The honor came to Hines, managing partner of the Grandville, Mich., On The Border, as part of the company's 5-Star Challenge program designed to recognize and reward top restaurant operators.

Award nominees are selected based on key results criteria from outstanding performance and profit achievement as well as their demonstration of commitment to guests, team members and their surrounding communities. Hines was recently recognized in Dallas at an all-team member meeting where he received a crystal trophy bearing the likeness of Norman Brinker to display in his restaurant, a one-year lease on a new Lexus and $25,000. Additionally, all team members at his On The Border restaurant enjoyed a team party and a cash bonus.

In an extremely difficult economic environment, Hines remained in the top five percent of managers who excelled by achieving year-over-year growth and margin improvement at their restaurant. Additionally, his restaurant team continues to be a top performer in raising funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R), On The Border's national charity partner. Hines mentors fellow general managers, taking great pride in their development and holding them accountable to the On The Border brand's high training standards.

"Scotty is a natural leader, who is results-oriented and plays to win," said Wyman Roberts, president of Chili's Grill & Bar and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. "Whatever the challenge, whether it's raising money for a charitable cause or running a profitable business, Scotty continually proves his steadfast commitment to his team and the success of our company."

Each year, the three Brinker brands select their top general manager to serve as their brand's 'General Manager of the Year.' Other 2009 nominees included Rich Zoob, Chili's managing partner in Farmingdale, N.Y., and Jim Biles, Maggiano's managing partner in Houston, Texas.

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 nearly 1,700 restaurants in 29 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(R). 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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