Norman Brinker

Restaurateur Norman E. Brinker was the founder of Brinker International Inc, which operates several casual dining restaurant chains including Chili's, On The Border and Macaroni Grill. Brinker also formerly led Jack in the Box, Burger King, Bennigan's and Steak & Ale.http://www.academyofachievement.org/honorees/norman_brinker.htm

On June 9, 2009, Brinker died from aspirated pneumonia in Colorado Springs, Colorado, while on vacation with his wife.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/061009dnbusbrinkerobit.62c468c5.html

A entrepreneur from childhood, Brinker was raised in New Mexico, starting a rabbit farm and working as a paper boy to help his family. After attending college and serving in the Navy, Brinker founded his first company, Gaston Avenue called Brink's, in the 1960s. Later, in 1966, he started Stake & Ale, which grew to over 100 locations before he sold the company to Pillsbury in 1976. Brinker also worked for Pillsbury, founding Bennigan's, which too was later sold.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/061009dnbusbrinkerobit.62c468c5.html

In 1975, he founded Brinker International in Texas. The company now operates Chili's, On The Border and Maggiano's Little Italy as well as a minority share in Romano’s Macaroni Grill. In total Brinker International operates over 1,700 restaurants with over 125,000 employees in 27 countries. Brinker retired from the company in 2000.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/061009dnbusbrinkerobit.62c468c5.html

In 1993, Brinker suffered a serious injury while playing polo and was left in a coma and partially paralyzed. Despite the grim prognosis, Brinker made a full recovery. He also overcame throat cancer years later.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/061009dnbusbrinkerobit.62c468c5.html

In June of 2009, Brinker was vacationing in Colorado when he aspirated food while dining with his wife. He was hospitalized and died at the age of 78 six days later.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/061009dnbusbrinkerobit.62c468c5.html