DALLAS, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) was recently recognized by Black Professionals magazine, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and the Greater Dallas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce for its extensive efforts to create an environment of diversity and inclusion.

A recipient for the 2007 Top 100 Companies for Blacks in Corporate America by Black Professionals magazine, Brinker was recognized by a selection committee comprised of the magazine's editorial board, advisory council, and leaders in the business and academic arena. Brinker excelled in the following areas of the awards criteria: a diverse representation on the board and senior executive levels, demonstration of workforce and supplier diversity program initiatives, and solid community outreach activities in diverse communities.

Additionally, for the second consecutive year, Brinker was named one of the country's 2008 Best Places to Work by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. With more than 700,000 members, the HRC Foundation is the educational arm of the nation's largest advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. Brinker received a perfect score on its 2008 Corporate Equality Index and Best Places to Work survey.

On Oct. 10, the Greater Dallas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce named Brinker a Sustaining Corporate Partner of the Year. Brinker was one of four companies honored at the Chamber's annual awards ceremony for minority business support and community spirit.

We feel privileged that prestigious organizations such as Black Professionals magazine, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Greater Dallas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce have recognized and awarded our efforts to generate a culturally diverse workplace at Brinker, said Mark King, director of diversity and inclusion at Brinker International. Establishing and maintaining a diversity of perspectives, talents and backgrounds drives our company's creativity and innovation and helps us provide greater hospitality to our guests and the communities we serve.

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, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina 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.
    -0-                             10/12/2007
    /CONTACT:  Maureen Locus, Media Relations of Brinker International, Inc.,
1-800-775-7290/
    /Web site:  http://www.brinker.com /
    (EAT)

CO:  Brinker International, Inc.; Black Professionals magazine; Human Rights
     Campaign Foundation; Greater Dallas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce
ST:  Texas
IN:  RST
SU:  AWD BLK ASI LGB WOM

CW-RM
-- LAF032 --
7508 10/12/2007 15:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com