DALLAS, April 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) has named Steve Provost senior vice president of marketing and brand strategy for the company's 45-unit upscale casual Italian-American brand, Maggiano's Little Italy.

Provost joins Brinker with almost two decades of restaurant and foodservice industry experience, including his most recent role as Chief Marketing Officer and EVP for Quizno's Subs and Sandwiches.

His career also includes a series of progressive leadership roles within the YUM! Brands, Inc. organization, including Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer for Long John Silver's and A&W; Senior Vice President of Franchising and Vice President of Marketing for Kentucky Fried Chicken.

In his new role, Provost is tasked with branding, advertising and development of overall marketing strategy as well as food and beverage initiatives for the Maggiano's Little Italy brand.

Provost will report to Wyman Roberts, Chief Marketing Officer for Brinker International and President of Maggiano's Little Italy.

"The breadth and depth of Steve's restaurant industry experience will provide valuable insight as he leads our Maggiano's brand marketing team," said Roberts.

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 1,700 restaurants in 28 countries 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.

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 45 locations worldwide offer lunch and dinner, delivery, carryout service and banquet spaces for special occasions. For more information, visit www.maggianos.com.

SOURCE Brinker International, Inc.

CONTACT:
Stacey Sullivan
of Brinker International
1-800-775-7298
Web Site: http://www.brinker.com
http://www.maggianos.com