Norman E. Brinker, namesake and chairman emeritus of franchisor Brinker International, died June 9. He was 78.
Brinker’s first major contribution to the restaurant industry came in the 1960s when he founded Steak & Ale. After selling the chain to Pillsbury in the mid-’70s, Brinker served on that company’s restaurant operations team as an executive vice president and established another well-known restaurant, Bennigan’s. Eventually, he would leave Pillsbury to oversee the development of Dallas-based casual dining chain Chili’s.
Doug Brooks, president and CEO of Brinker International, said Brinker was an inspiration to many in the restaurant business. "He had a passion for winning—and he always won with integrity," he said, "which is why Norman is universally admired by the restaurant industry."
Brinker helped found the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization, which supports breast cancer research. In addition, he received an Augie Award from the Culinary Institute of America—which inducted Brinker into its hall of fame in 2007.
Brinker is survived by his family, as well as his company and its roster of brands, which includes On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and Maggiano’s Little Italy.
