DALLAS -- The board of directors for Brinker International Inc., a leading casual dining restaurant company under the Chili's and Maggiano's Little Italy names, has elected Joe DePinto as chairman, following Doug Brooks' announcement last fall that he would be stepping down from the position. DePinto is the chief executive officer and president for 7-Eleven Inc. and also sits on the company's board.
He joined the Brinker board in August 2010 and assumed the roles and responsibilities of lead director of the board this past year.
"As the leader of a large multi-unit retail company operating both domestically and abroad, Joe has already provided a unique perspective and expertise to shaping the trajectory of the Brinker business during his tenure," said Brooks.
"We thank Doug for his countless contributions and dedication to our Board, our company and the restaurant industry at large," said Wyman Roberts, chief executive officer and president for Brinker International. "I look forward to working closely with Joe in his new role as our chairman of the board to strengthen our business moving forward, delivering increased value to our shareholders."
Like other full-service restaurants, Chili's is facing higher food costs at the same time it is under pressure to offer good deals to consumers, who are not eating out as much following the recession, said a Wall Street Journal report.
7-Eleven, Dallas, operates, franchises or licenses approximately 10,200 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, it has nearly 51,600 stores in 16 countries. During 2012, 7-Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales of approximately $84.8 billion.
Brinker International, founded in 1975 and also based in Dallas, owns, operates or franchises 1,596 restaurants under the names Chili's Grill & Bar (1,552 restaurants) and Maggiano's Little Italy (45 restaurants).
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