DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Brinker International Inc. (EAT) plans to open 25 locations of
its Chili's Grill & Bar chain in Russia as it looks to boost
its international presence.
The first is slated to open in November 2010 in Moscow, with the
other 24 to be developed in the following seven years.
Brinker will work with Trio Group Ltd., a privately held company
based in Geneva that was formed specifically for the
development.
Same-store sales have been falling for Brinker's three
restaurant chains - Chili's, On The Border Mexican Grill &
Cantina, and Maggiano's Little Italy, causing it to announce
guidance well below expectations early this month. And restaurant
chains having been using steep discounts to attract customers,
while analysts have been skeptical about their efficiency.
Brinker also sold a majority stake in Macaroni Grill in late
2008.
The company currently owns, operates or franchises 203
international locations in 29 countries and two territories outside
the U.S.
Shares were inactive in late trading after closing at
$14.07.
-By Alexandra Scaggs, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2673;
alexandra.scaggs@dowjones.com