Brinker

Brinker International is the Dallas-based parent to the casual-dining Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy brands. One of the largest casual-dining companies in the U.S., Brinker operates and franchises more than 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries under the Chili’s banner along with 54 Maggiano’s.

The first Chili’s was opened in 1975 by Larry Lavine in Dallas as a no-frills casual dining concept that defined a new era. In 1983, Norman Brinker bought the then-23-unit Chili’s and began building it as a portfolio company, taking it public in 1990. Maggiano’s joined the group in 1995.

Headquarters: Dallas

Segment: Full service

Restaurant segment: Casual dining

Number of U.S. locations: 1,223 Chili’s

2020 Sales: $3.2 billion (Chili’s)

Source: Datassential Firefly 500

CEO: Wyman Roberts