Brinker To Open 25 Chili's Locations In Russia

   DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

Brinker International Inc. (EAT) plans to open 25 locations of its Chili's Grill & Bar chain in Russia as it looks to boost its international presence.

The first is slated to open in November 2010 in Moscow, with the other 24 to be developed in the following seven years.

Brinker will work with Trio Group Ltd., a privately held company based in Geneva that was formed specifically for the development.

Same-store sales have been falling for Brinker's three restaurant chains - Chili's, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, and Maggiano's Little Italy, causing it to announce guidance well below expectations early this month. And restaurant chains having been using steep discounts to attract customers, while analysts have been skeptical about their efficiency.

Brinker also sold a majority stake in Macaroni Grill in late 2008.

The company currently owns, operates or franchises 203 international locations in 29 countries and two territories outside the U.S.

Shares were inactive in late trading after closing at $14.07.

-By Alexandra Scaggs, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2673; [e-mail]