DALLAS, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) announced an agreement with Pasta Ventures, LLC. to develop three new Romano's Macaroni Grill restaurants in South Texas.

The development agreement is part of the Brinker strategy to expand domestic and international franchise ownership of its brands from 20 percent to approximately 30 percent within the current calendar year.

Pasta Ventures is based in McAllen, Texas and headed by hotel and restaurant business veterans Larry Fallek and Rick Guerra. The group has owned and operated casual dining restaurants for over 10 years, however, this agreement marks their first venture with Brinker. The three restaurants are slated for completion by late 2010.

We are pleased to announce this development agreement with Pasta Ventures and about the opportunity to grow the Macaroni Grill brand into South Texas, said Jean Birch, President of Romano's Macaroni Grill. Pasta Ventures has a strong track record of running excellent restaurants and we look forward to working with them.

Pasta Ventures looks forward to bringing the excitement of Romano's Macaroni Grill to three new locations, said Rick Guerra, managing owner and operating partner of Pasta Ventures. The strong reputation of Brinker International, combined with our experience in the casual dining industry makes this agreement a natural fit for us.

ABOUT ROMANO'S MACARONI GRILL

Romano's Macaroni Grill (http://www.macaronigrill.com ) is a leading casual Italian restaurant with more than 215 locations in 42 states and seven countries. Working in open kitchens, Macaroni Grill chefs prepare Italian classics like Chicken Scaloppine and signature items such as Penne Rustica, as well as grilled specialties, fresh seafood, crisp salads, brick oven pizzas and numerous pasta dishes. The menu is complemented by one of the most extensive wine lists in casual dining, including house wine poured on the honor system, where applicable. Romano's Macaroni Grill is the second-largest brand in the Brinker International (NYSE: EAT) restaurant portfolio. Other Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, Maggiano's Little Italy and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. For more information, visit http://www.macaronigrill.com

CONTACT: Tony Schembri

              Brinker International
              (972) 770-8722


SOURCE  Brinker International, Inc.
    -0-                             02/23/2007
    /CONTACT:  Tony Schembri of Brinker International, Inc., +1-972-770-8722/
    /Web site:  http://www.brinker.com
                http://www.macaronigrill.com /
    (EAT)


CO:  Brinker International, Inc.; Romano's Macaroni Grill; Pasta Ventures,
     LLC.
ST:  Texas
IN:  FOD RST
SU:  JVN

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0542 02/23/2007 11:00 EST http://www.prnewswire.com