DALLAS, May 15, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- "He's at the 10, the five ... he could go all the way!" Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints scored in the Chili's Grill & Bar(R) Smokehouse Bacon Burger Showdown, earning him $10,000 for his charity, The Drew Brees Foundation.

"It was such an honor to work with Chili's on this great campaign," said Brees. "I am excited that my burger, the mouth-watering Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger won this contest, and am extremely grateful for the opportunity Chili's has provided me to give back to my Foundation."

The campaign, which began in late January, allowed guests to go online to Chili's Web site to vote on their favorite Smokehouse Bacon Burger. Additionally, guests could enter to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to any 2008 regular season pro or college football game and team helmets autographed by Brees, Minnesota Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson and Philadelphia Eagles' running back Brian Westbrook.

Brees' winning burger, the Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger, was up against Peterson's Jalapeno Smokehouse Bacon Burger and Westbrook's Triple-the-Cheese Bacon Burger, respectively. Each player was vying for a chance to donate to their charity of choice. The Drew Brees Foundation provides care, education and opportunities for children facing adversity.

"Chili's greatly appreciates the participation of these world-class athletes that helped promote our popular mouth-watering Smokehouse Bacon Burgers," said Todd Diener, president of Chili's Grill & Bar. "We are honored that the proceeds from this campaign will serve the children of New Orleans and continue to strengthen this great city."

About Chili's Smokehouse Bacon Burgers

Chili's Smokehouse Bacon Burgers are mammoth-sized burgers, featuring extra-thick strips of bacon, seasoned and grilled to perfection, and only available at Chili's.

Chili's Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger features fire-grilled, thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, seasoned with brown sugar and a blend of four chile peppers. The burger is also made with extra-thick sliced smoked Cheddar cheese, crispy onion strings and mayonnaise with delicious ancho chile barbeque sauce on the side.

Chili's Jalapeno Smokehouse Bacon Burger is prepared with juicy triple-thick, applewood-smoked bacon that's grilled to perfection. It's layered with sliced smoked Cheddar cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, jalapenos, and mayonnaise with house-made jalapeno-ranch dressing on the side.

Chili's Smokehouse Bacon Triple-the-Cheese Burger features extra-thick applewood-smoked bacon seasoned with jalapeno spice and fire-grilled. It's triple-layered with flavorful cheeses -- sliced smoked Cheddar, Swiss, and Provolone -- and is made with sauteed onions and jalapeno-ranch dressing.

About Chili's Grill & Bar

Chili's Grill & Bar is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Chili's offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites at more than 1,400 locations in 24 countries. Other Brinker brands include Romano's Macaroni Grill(R), Maggiano's Little Italy(R) and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R). For more information, please visit http://www.chilis.com.

SOURCE Chili's Grill & Bar

http://www.chilis.com  

Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

News Provided by COMTEX