DALLAS, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a simple offer -- pick two meals, pay for one. Starting in August, Maggiano's Little Italy is putting a unique twist on the two-for-one special. Guests choose from a selection of handmade pastas and baked specialties, and go home with a free carryout order to enjoy tomorrow. Their second selection will be packaged and ready to go at the end of their meal.

Pastas eligible for the promotion include Mom's Lasagna, Rigatoni "D" , Baked Ziti & Sausage, Chicken Pesto Linguine, Four Cheese Ravioli, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, and Gnocchi with Tomato Vodka Sauce.

"This is a great opportunity for our guests to come in and try something new or enjoy one of their favorites. For us, it's an opportunity to showcase seven of our famous pasta dishes, specially created for our guests," says Executive Chef Keith Brunell. Brunell should know, as he worked with his brand's chefs -- Maggiano's has one at every location -- to perfect the recipes, including the brand's famous Mom's Lasagna.

The promotion is a first for Maggiano's, an upscale casual chain serving Italian-American recipes made-from-scratch in our kitchens. "Today & Tomorrow" is Maggiano's response to slowing traffic in the foodservice industry, where great value and an attractive price are a must.

"Some say the recession is causing a new generation of Americans to eat a dish they've never eaten before: the leftover. 'Today & Tomorrow' re-invents the leftover, with a free meal that is world-class quality and made fresh daily to take home." said Steve Provost, senior vice president of marketing and brand strategy for Maggiano's. "No one who eats at Maggiano's has ever gone home hungry, and 'Today & Tomorrow' builds on our brand equity -- you pay just once, but you stretch your dollar with two delicious meals."

Results from test markets showed a positive impact for the brand, with new guests trying Maggiano's and giving high marks for great food.

The promotion is available for dine-in only and will be advertised via direct mail, and creative communication channels such as Twitter and Facebook.

About Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano's Little Italy specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano's menu features both classic and contemporary recipes - authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts. Maggiano's 44 locations nationwide offer lunch or dinner, carryout service and banquet spaces for special occasions. Maggiano's is one of three restaurant brands in the portfolio of Dallas-based Brinker International (NYSE: EAT), one of the world's largest casual dining companies, with nearly 1,700 restaurants in 28 countries and two territories. Other Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina . Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill . For more information, visit www.maggianos.com.

SOURCE Maggiano's Little Italy

CONTACT:
Maureen Locus
Public Relations
+1-972-575-5591
reenlocus@yahoo.com
or Brinker International Media Hotline
1-800-775-7290
both for Maggiano's Little Italy
Web Site: http://www.maggianos.com