DALLAS, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R) franchisee BorderWest Partners, L.P. will open 18 new restaurants in Central and Southern California through a development agreement with Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), the companies announced today.

The development agreement is part of the Brinker strategy to expand domestic and international franchise ownership of its brands from 20 percent to approximately 30 percent within the current calendar year.

This is the fourth agreement since 1996 between the BorderWest parent company, Breckenridge Group Inc., and Brinker. Breckenridge currently operates 14 On The Border locations in the Western United States.

Based in Orange County, Calif., Breckenridge Group operates an array of other well-known restaurant brands in addition to On The Border.

This agreement signifies a substantial growth opportunity for On The Border and Brinker, expanding even further into the Western United States, said Dave Orenstein, President of On The Border. Breckenridge has been a leading franchisee for the brand and we look forward to building on our current relationship.

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (http://www.ontheborder.com ) is the largest casual Mexican restaurant chain in the United States, with over 140 locations in 32 states. On The Border celebrates traditional Mexican dishes with a twist, served in vibrant decor and featuring lively music. On The Border is part of Dallas-based Brinker International (NYSE: EAT). Other Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill and Maggiano's Little Italy.

CONTACT: Tony Schembri

               Brinker International
               (800) 775-7290


SOURCE  Brinker International, Inc.
    -0-                             05/01/2007
    /CONTACT:  Tony Schembri of Brinker International, Inc., +1-800-775-7290/
    /Web site:  http://www.brinker.com
                http://www.ontheborder.com /
    (EAT)

CO:  Brinker International, Inc.; On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina;
     BorderWest Partners, L.P.; Breckenridge Group Inc.
ST:  Texas, California
IN:  RST
SU:  LIC

GN
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9469 05/01/2007 16:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com