Developer Of Chili's Restaurant Chain Brinker Dies

He sold Steak & Ale to Pillsbury Co. in the early 1970s and went to work for Pillsbury's restaurant division. During his time at Pillsbury's restaurant division, he created the Bennigan's chain and became known for creating a chain concept of upscale eateries intended to attract single people.

In 1983, Brinker purchased Chili's, which had started as a single restaurant in Dallas and now has about 900 company-owned restaurants and more than 550 franchises. He took Chili's public and in the 1990s renamed the chain Brinker International.

Among the chains Brinker International has bought and sold are Corner Bakery Cafe, EatZi's Market and Bakery. It now operates On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Maggiano's Little Italy and Chili's. Brinker also holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill.

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Associated Press writer Terry Wallace in Dallas contributed to this report.