DALLAS, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Did you know gift cards will be the most requested gift this holiday season? According to the National Retail Federation's sixth annual gift card survey conducted by BIGresearch, 54.9 percent of consumers want to receive gift cards this holiday season.

This year, Chili's(R) Grill & Bar satisfies this popular demand with a series of holiday-themed gift cards redeemable at more than 1,400 locations nationwide. So when it's time to use them, no matter where in the country your recipient lives, there's sure to be a Chili's restaurant nearby.

Pepper In Some Fun(SM) this holiday season by sharing Chili's famous Sizzling Fajitas, Big Mouth Burgers(R), Grilled Baby Back Ribs or other menu favorites with your friends and relatives.

"Our restaurants are known not only for their great food, but for the many great memories shared between friends and family. So when guests give or receive a Chili's gift card, it's the gift of an experience--creating the fun moments shared in our restaurants," said Todd Diener, president of Chili's Grill & Bar.

NRF's survey also predicted gift card sales will reach $24.9 billion this holiday season and consumers who purchase the cards want to find ways to personalize them. With seven different designs and customizable cards available, Chili's gift card assortment will meet the needs of even the pickiest holiday shopper. Additionally, guests can give back to a good cause this holiday season by selecting the $25 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R) Thanks and Giving(R) gift card at Chili's -- $1 from the sale of each card benefits St. Jude, one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers.

This year, an expanded retailer base makes getting your hands on the popular gift cards easier than ever. Chili's gift cards are available nationwide at participating grocery, discount, warehouse, convenience, office supply stores and pharmacies, including Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Walgreens, Safeway (Tom Thumb) and CVS/pharmacy. Cards can also be purchased at your neighborhood Chili's restaurant and online at www.chilis.com. Chili's gift cards do not have transaction fees or expiration dates.

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 25 countries. Chili's gift cards are also redeemable at other Brinker brands: Maggiano's Little Italy(R), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R) and Romano's Macaroni Grill(R). For more information, please visit http://www.chilis.com.

About Thanks and Giving:

The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks and Giving national campaign is an unprecedented union of celebrities, media, retail and corporate partners that ask consumers to "Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not." The Thanks and Giving initiative was created in 2004 by Marlo Thomas and her siblings Terre and Tony Thomas, children of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Funds raised by the campaign support the lifesaving work of St. Jude - to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. St. Jude impacts the lives of children in communities across the country. Consumers are asked to shop at companies where the St. Jude green magnifying glass logo is displayed; donate online at www.stjude.org, where a list of fund-raising partners is available, or call 1-800-4STJUDE.

SOURCE Chili's Grill & Bar

CONTACT:
Media Relations
1-800-775-7290
Web Site: http://www.chilis.com
http://www.stjude.org

CO: Chili's Grill & Bar; National Retail Federation; NRF; St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital; Brinker International; BIGresearch;
Thanks and Giving
ST: Texas