The ratings on Dallas-based Brinker International Inc. reflect the company's solid position in the casual dining industry, good track record as a restaurant operator, and intermediate financial profile. Its participation in the competitive restaurant industry and current economic conditions that are hurting the casual dining sector partially offset these strengths. Brinker is the second largest company in the casual dining sector, based on sales, after Darden Restaurants Inc. The growth of Chili's, On the Border (OTB), and Maggiano's 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. Like other casual dining operators, Brinker's sales trends have been weak in all of
