DALLAS, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), was selected as the recipient of the 2012 Greater Dallas Business Ethics Award, which annually honors a Dallas-based company that demonstrates the ability to ensure ethics are an integral part of its business culture.

Brinker received for the top honor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for the company's measurable commitment to ethical business practices in everyday operations, management philosophies and responses to crises or challenges.

"We are truly honored to be celebrated for exemplifying sound business ethics in our community," said Valerie Davisson, Executive Vice President, and Chief PeopleWorks Officer for Brinker International. "This award is a direct reflection of the 4,500 D/FW Brinker, Chili's and Maggiano's team members who demonstrate our passion of making people feel special every day."

The Greater Dallas Business Ethics Award is judged by a ten-member panel comprised of academia and business. In addition, four students from the Austin College Posey Leadership Institute assisted in the judging process by conducting site visits with interviews of executives at the five finalist companies, including Brinker.

About Brinker International

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), is one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 32 countries and two territories, and employs more than 100,000. Brinker's wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili's® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill®. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.

SOURCE Brinker International, Inc.

Stacey Sullivan, Brinker International, 1-800-775-7290