Brinker International Buys 116 Franchised Chili’s Restaurants

Brinker International Inc. completed the acquisition of 116 Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants from its 14-year franchisee, ERJ Dining.

This follows the announcement of the letter of intent made on July 10, 2019. The restaurants, primarily located in the Midwest, generate approximately $300 million of annualized revenue. The transaction was funded with availability under Brinker’s existing credit facility and is expected to be EPS and cash flow accretive in fiscal year 2020. 

“This acquisition reinforces our strategy to invest in our brand while generating additional earnings and cash flow for shareholders,” said Joe Taylor, chief financial officer and executive vice president of Brinker. “Our strong operational infrastructure brings additional support and investment for the solid group of operators joining the Chili’s corporate family as part of this transaction.”

Brinker operates 1,665 restaurants under the names Chili’s Grill & Bar (1,612 restaurants) and Maggiano’s Little Italy (53 restaurants).