Chili’s was the champion of restaurant company Brinker International in the fourth quarter, leading the company’s growth with double-digit increase in comparable sales.

Brinker’s comparable restaurant sales for the 13 weeks ended June 26 jumped 13.5 per cent, driven by a 14.8 per cent surge at Chili’s. At Maggiano’s, comparable restaurant sales grew 2.5 per cent.

The increase at Chili’s was primarily due to higher traffic, which increased 5.9 per cent, and increased menu pricing. The company continued to invest in the business with increased restaurant staffing and repairs and maintenance expenses. 

Overall sales for the quarter were $1.196 billion compared to $1.064 billion in the prior-year period, while net income rose from $54.2 million to $57.3 million.

“We significantly outperformed the industry in both sales and traffic during the quarter, while maintaining record high guest metrics,” said Kevin Hochman, president and CEO of Brinker International. 

“With significantly increased traffic at Chili’s and many guests trying Chili’s for the first time, we quickly accelerated investments in labor and the facilities to ensure a great experience.”

For the full year, Brinker’s comparable restaurant sales rose 7 per cent, including a 7.4 per cent growth at Chili’s and 3.5 per cent increase at Maggiano’s. Company sales increased from $4.09 billion to $4.37 billion, and net income rose from $102 million to $155 million.

The company expects total revenues to be in the range of $4.55 billion – $4.62 billion for FY25.