Wednesday, May 23, 2001
7:30 a.m. |
 |
|
|
Success Brinker Style
"Meet the man who has employed
over 1.5 million people!"
|
|
 Norman Brinker, the only child of Kathryn and Gene Brinker, was born on June 3, 1931 in Denver, CO.
Brinker graduated from high school in Roswell, New Mexico. After graduating from high school, he paid his own way to New Mexico Military Institute.
In 1952, he entered the United State Navy. While in the Navy, he was a member of the 1952 U.S. Olympic Equestrian Team. Two years later he joined the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Team and competed in the World Championship in Budapest, Hungary. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1954.
Norman enrolled in the marketing program at San Diego State University in 1953 and was elected as the first non-fraternity student body president. He graduated with honors in 1957 with a B.S. in Marketing.
Brinker is active in a wide range of community and civic affairs and has been dedicated to the furtherance of the free enterprise system. Under his guidance, S&A Restaurant Corporation established one of the largest political action committees in the county. Brinker has been chairman and directed many political fund-raising efforts. Brinker International has also initiated a PAC on behalf of the free enterprise system.
He is a strong supporter of the arts having served on the boards of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Dallas Museum of Art. He also established a philanthropic trust that contributes to higher education and medical research.
In 1955, Brinker married 3-time Wimbledon and U.S. National Tennis Champion, Maureen (Little Mo) Connolly of San Diego, California. The marriage ended with Maureen's death from cancer at the age of 34 in 1969.
Norman Brinker was the founder of the Willow Bend Polo and Hunt Club in Plano, Texas, and traveled throughout the world playing exhibition matches. He is the past Chairman of the United States Polo Association.
In 1996, he authored, "On the Brink: The Life and Leadership of Norman Brinker" (Summit); co-authored with Donald T. Phillips. Mr. Brinker resides in Dallas. |
|
 |
|
|
Company Info:
The entrepreneurial methods of Jack-In-The-Box Restaurants' founder Robert Peterson attracted Brinker to the company, which at the time owned just seven outlets. He resigned in 1965 and started Steak and Ale which initiated the casual dining phenomenon.
In 1971, Steak and Ale became a publicly held company with 28 outlets. Five years later, with 109 restaurants, Steak & Ale merged with the Pillsbury Company. Brinker became Executive Vice President and Board Member of the Pillsbury Company.
While at Steak and Ale (renamed S&A Restaurant Corp), Brinker also developed the Bennigan's concept. S&A recorded sales and earnings growth for 18 consecutive years.
In 1982, Brinker was named President of the Pillsbury Restaurant Group -- Burger King, Steak & Ale, Bennigan's and Poppin' Fresh Restaurants. The operation, the second largest restaurant organization in the world, employed more than 150,000 people and recorded sales exceeding $3.2 billion.
In 1983, Brinker invested in and became the Chairman and CEO of Chili's, Inc. While CEO, the company increased bottom line earnings for ten consecutive years and has now grown from 28 restaurants to nine chains with over 845 restaurants throughout the United States, as well as 19 other countries. By the end of this fiscal year, the company will approach $2.3 billion in total sales and will have over 99,000 employees. While CEO of Brinker, he had 10 consecutive years of increased bottom line income which amounts to a total of 28 consecutive years throughout his career in the restaurant industry.
In 1990 the named was changed to Brinker International and also includes Romano's Macaroni Grill, On The Border, Cozymel's, and Eatzi's. Recent additions include Maggianoís Little Italy, Corner Bakery, Wildfire, and Big Bowl. Mr. Brinker currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Brinker International and was named Chairman Emeritus of the Board.
|
|
|
|
|
