Chili's Grill & Bar Opens First Location in India, Will Offer 80 Percent Vegetarian Menu

Brinker International (NYSE:EAT) today announced the opening of the first Chili's Grill & Bar location in India, which is also its 200th restaurant outside of the United States.

Brinker now owns, operates and franchises 200 restaurants outside the U.S., with locations in 28 countries and two territories. As part of the company's goal to become the globally dominant casual dining portfolio company, Brinker International plans to have 500 restaurants open outside of the United States by 2014.

"Our plan is aggressive, about 50 restaurants a year, and we see a world of opportunity out there for us," said John Reale, president of global business development, Brinker International. "Comp sales are strong internationally, and our competitive advantage is a portfolio of brands our franchisees can growth with, including Chili's, Maggiano's, and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina."

The first Chili's in India opened in Bangalore and was developed by Jawad Business Group. This restaurant is part of a 15-restaurant, five-year agreement that will expand Brinker's presence throughout India. Jawad Business Group is experienced developing other restaurant brands in India and has been a Brinker partner for several years, franchising Chili's in Bahrain and Maggiano's in Saudi Arabia.

"Jawad Business Group is a strong, longtime business partner of ours in the Middle East," said Reale. "This expansion of our partnership into India is ideal because underscores their desire to grow with not just one, but all three Brinker brands."

The menu at the Bangalore Chili's was developed specifically for the region. Chili's global chefs researched Indian ingredients, local cuisine preferences and competitive menus to craft a menu that comprises the essence of Chili's American-Southwest cuisine with a touch of familiar fare for the local consumer. More than 80 percent of the menu offerings can be prepared vegetarian. Though the menu will be different than other Chili's restaurants around the world, it offers familiar flavors and a heat profile that local guests will appreciate and enjoy.

"Chili's-Bangalore will offer guests a unique dining experience with bold, kicked up flavors," said Reale. "From the Tandoori Chicken Sandwich to the Paneer Bites to the Bombay Burger, guests will find local flavors they enjoy infused with the brand's Southwestern heritage."

The new Chili's is on Airport Road-Bangalore, Bengaluru, India. The 126-seat restaurant will be open 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.

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