Dallas-based Brinker International Inc., Chili’s parent-company, announced four target countries in 2010 where it planned to develop its brand: Brazil, Russia, India and China. Chili’s now operates four restaurants in India and plans to open in Brazil later in the year.
“Casual dining overseas is akin to the growth we saw 15 to 20 years ago here in the US,” said Carin Stutz, president of global business development for Brinker International. “Consumers in emerging countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China are highly focused on iconic brands and they buy accordingly, which gives Brinker a unique opportunity to expand the reach of our restaurants, connect with local consumers and drive loyalty to our brand.”
Russian franchisee Interdining Group developed the first Chili’s in Russia. As part of the agreement, 25 restaurants are slated for development in the Russian Federation by June 2017. Interdining Group is a privately held company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and formed by three business partners to develop and operate Chili’s Grill & Bar in the Russian Federation.
Brinker International Inc. is one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than 1 million guests daily. It owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 31 countries and two territories, and employs more than 100,000. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. It also holds a minority stake in Romano's Macaroni Grill.
