DALLAS, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

The residents of Sao Paulo, Brazil, were introduced to the bold Southwestern flavors of Chili's® Grill & Bar last month when the Dallas-based brand opened its first restaurant in one of South America's fastest growing countries. The newest emerging world market to welcome Chili's, in turn introduced the brand's culinary team to Picahna, a prime cut of top sirloin popular in the churrascarias of Southern Brazil, and Caipirinhas, the country's national cocktail made with a blend of fresh limes, sugar and cachaca - a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane.

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When guests visit the new Chili's in Sao Paulo, they will find both these local favorites incorporated in a variety of new dishes and flavors on the menu; additions which are exclusive to Brazil only. In comparison to Chili's U.S. menu, the Brazil menu will feature Chili's signature favorites as well as eight new items - Picahna Burger, Picahna Fajitas complete with a step-by-step guide showing guests how to build a fajita and Picahna steak, as well as five different flavors of refreshing Caipirinhas.

"Understanding cultures and consumer needs in each new market is an important factor when we introduce our restaurant brands to new countries," said Carin Stutz, president of global business development for Brinker International. "Our chefs captured the essence of Brazil's unique flavors to craft relevant, fresh spins on our Chili's signature items with a touch of familiar fare for our guests in Sao Paulo."

The popular urban center, Moema, was an attractive location to open Chili's first restaurant in Brazil because it is a proven trade area, densely populated with residential towers with both small and large businesses. Moema draws people from many places to its active day and night life, seven days a week as well.

The Moema Chili's also features a new contemporary design with bold colors and a mix of elements that create warm and inviting spaces. New, large flat screen televisions also adorn the walls of the dining room, creating the perfect environment for enjoying great food and drinks with friends and family. In addition to the bar and main dining area on the ground floor, the restaurant offers a variety of seating options for both small and large parties, including a covered terrace and a roof-top patio, open to the rich sounds and textures of the thriving Moema urban center.

Brinker partnered with BTTO Group to create the joint venture CGB Comercio de Alimentos e Bebidas Ltda; an agreement that will bring four Chili's restaurants, in addition to the Moema location, to Brazil over the next five years. BTTO has a proven track record in Brazil and will be a valued partner to Chili's as the brand expands deeper into South America.

Located at Avenida Sabia 430 - Moema, 04515-000 Sao Paulo, Brazil, the 240-seat restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

About Brinker 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 more than 1,500 restaurants in 32 countries and two territories. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy®. Brinker also holds a minority stake in Romano's Macaroni Grill®. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.

SOURCE Brinker International