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Chili’s parent Brinker names tech expert Frank Liberio to boardChili’s parent Brinker names tech expert Frank Liberio to board

Casual-dining company appoints former Restaurant Brands International executive

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

July 9, 2024

1 Min Read
Brinker Chili s Frank Liberio board
Brinker International has named technology leader Frank Liberio, formerly of Restaurant Brands International Inc., to its board.Brinker International Inc.

Brinker International Inc., parent to the Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy casual-dining brands, has named Frank Liberio to its board, the company said Monday.

Dallas-based Brinker said Liberio is experienced in restaurant technology and most recently served as executive vice president and global chief information officer for Toronto-based Restaurant Brands International Inc., parent to the Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Firehouse Subs brands.

Brinker-director-Frank-Liberio.jpgPrior to RBI, Liberio worked at the McDonald's Corp. for more than 16 years, serving in various leadership roles before becoming senior vice president and global chief information officer.

Joe DePinto, Brinker’s chairman, said in a statement: "We couldn't be more pleased to welcome Frank to the Brinker board of directors and know his wisdom and leadership maturity will bring valuable insights as we support Brinker's growth strategies with a focus on the guest experience.”

Brinker International, founded in 1975, also has the It’s Just Wings virtual brand. It owns, operates or franchises nearly 1,600 restaurants in the United States and 27 other countries and two U.S. territories.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

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Related:Chili’s parent Brinker International continues to work on boosting traffic

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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