DALLAS Brinker International Inc., based here, has signed a development agreement with Pasta Ventures LLC of McAllen, Texas, to develop three new Romano's Macaroni Grill restaurants in South Texas.
Pasta Ventures, headed by hotel and restaurant business veterans Larry Fallek and Rick Guerra, has owned and operated other casual-dining restaurants over the past 10 years. This agreement marks the company's first venture with Brinker. The three restaurants are to be completed by late 2010.
Brinker said its strategy is to expand domestic and international franchise ownership of its brands from 20 percent to about 30 percent within the current calendar year.
Macaroni Grill currently has 215 locations in 42 states and seven countries.
