Chili's expands through franchise agreement with Valenti Management
Franchisee Acquires Nine Company Units, Will Build 20 More in Coming Years.
August 11, 2004
DALLAS, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/-- Brinker International, Inc., (NYSE:EAT) and Valenti Management, Inc., have entered into a franchising and development agreement that will bring 20 new Chili's locations to Alabama and Mississippi, the companies today announced. Through the agreement, Valenti Management also has acquired nine existing Chili's from Brinker, including four in the Birmingham, Ala., market, three in the Huntsville, Ala., area, and one each in Auburn, Ala., and Olive Branch, Miss. Based in Memphis, Tenn., Valenti Management also operates 115 Wendy's franchises in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi. "Chili's is an outstanding casual restaurant concept that continues to evolve and keep pace with changing consumer needs and enjoys national advertising exposure and brand recognition," said Peter J. Grant, Chief Operating Officer of Valenti Management. "We're very excited to work with Brinker in bringing the exceptional Chili's dining experience to new guests in Mississippi and Alabama." Valenti's development territory includes all of Alabama, except the Dothan and Phenix City areas. In Mississippi, the franchisee has the rights to open and operate Chili's in 19 smaller markets and non-metro cities and towns distributed throughout the state. Brinker will continue operating the Dothan Chili's in Alabama as well as six locations in Mississippi, including Jackson, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, Oxford, Southaven and Gulfport. "Given the depth of their experience, their track record of operational excellence and their passion for guest satisfaction, Valenti is the ideal partner to help us take advantage of the growth opportunities awaiting Chili's in the Southeast," said Wilson Craft, President of Chili's. Chili's Grill & Bar offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites in approximately 1,000 locations in 24 countries. Chili's is owned and franchised by Dallas-based Brinker International, a recognized leader in casual dining. Other Brinker restaurant concepts include Romano's Macaroni Grill, Maggiano's Little Italy, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Big Bowl Asian Kitchen, Corner Bakery Cafe and Rockfish Seafood Grill.source:Brinker International, Inc.contactChris Barnes, +1-972-770-4959, or Louis Adams, +1-972-770-4967, both of Brinker International, Inc.web site:http://www.brinker.com/ 
