DALLAS, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) announced today that a California Court of Appeal has issued an opinion in Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court of San Diego County which included rulings favorable to the company related to meal and rest breaks. In its opinion, the Court found that Brinker had the obligation to "make available" meal and rest breaks to its employees, but did not have the obligation to "ensure" that they were taken. In doing so, the Court ruled that the case cannot proceed as a class action.

"We are pleased that the Court of Appeal ruled that the trial court should not have certified a class in this case, and agrees with Brinker's understanding of the legal standards for providing meal and rest breaks," stated Roger Thomson, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Brinker International. "We look forward to the case's return to the trial court for action on the remaining individual issues."

About Brinker International

Brinker International, Inc. 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 1,800 restaurants in 24 countries and employs more than 120,000. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill(R), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R) and Maggiano's Little Italy. The company was named one of FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Companies in 2006 and was honored by the magazine as one of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and the Top 50 Employers for Women. For more information visit http://www.brinker.com.

SOURCE Brinker International, Inc.

CONTACT:
Media Relations of Brinker International, Inc.
1-800-775-7290