Solid position in casual dining; Good track record as a restaurant operator; and Consistently strong cash flow. Participates in a highly competitive industry. The ratings on Dallas-based Brinker International (Brinker) reflect the company's solid position in the casual-dining industry, good track record as a restaurant operator, and satisfactory financial profile. These strengths are partially offset by the company's participation in the competitive restaurant industry. Brinker is the second-largest company in the casual-dining sector, based on sales, after Darden Restaurants Inc. The growth of its Chili's, On The Border, and Maggiano's concepts into well-established chains reflects the company's ability to develop, commercialize, and operate diverse restaurant formats. Brinker's management depth and well-developed system infrastructure have been instrumental in this success. The
