DALLAS, Dec 21, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Doug Brooks, president, chief operating officer and chairman of Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), was recently honored at People Report's 2009 Best Practices Conference with its esteemed Legacy Award.

This award recognizes leaders who, throughout their careers, have exemplified a dedication to demonstrating and instilling best business practices through a servant leadership model, while balancing people and profits.

This year's People Report conference was themed "Mixing Money and Meaning." Brooks, a 35-year restaurant industry veteran, is a passionate philanthropist. Under his leadership and encouragement, Brinker has united restaurant team members and guests across the country at Chili's(R) Grill & Bar, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R) and Maggiano's Little Italy(R) to support worthy organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R), Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R) and Make-A-Wish Foundation(R). Brinker's dedication to giving back to the communities in which they serve has become a core value, under Brooks' leadership.

"This year, we're proud to honor Doug Brooks, who has visibly modeled servant leadership through his dedication to corporate social responsibility," said Joni Doolin, founder and CEO of People Report. "The legendary support of their brand charitable partners and Doug's very personal crusade with Limbs for Life Foundation are vibrant examples of philanthropy moving beyond corporate donations and elite executive events to include every team member in the system, along with their guests and local communities."

Past Legacy Award winners include restaurant industry leaders Joe Lee, retired chairman of Darden Restaurants; and Lloyd Hill and Lou Kaucic, retired CEO and CPO of Applebee's International.

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), 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 nearly 1,700 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories, and employs more than 125,000. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's(R) Grill & Bar, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R) and Maggiano's Little Italy(R). Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill(R). The company was named one of FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Food Service Companies in 2009 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 www.brinker.com.

SOURCE Brinker International, Inc.

http://www.brinker.com