[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NORMAN BRINKER

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the life and accomplishments of restaurateur Norman Brinker.
  Brinker, the chairman emeritus and former chief executive of Brinker 
International, died June 9th at the age of 78.
  Brinker, the founder of Steak and Ale restaurant in 1966, built 
Brinker International into a restaurant giant. He is most well known 
for turning Chili's Grill and Bar restaurant from a string of local 
restaurants into a national chain owned by Brinker International. 
Brinker's illustrious restaurant career began in my Dallas area 
district in 1965, opening Brink's Coffee Shop, and I am deeply saddened 
by the loss of someone so influential to the history of the city.
  In his time in the restaurant industry, Mr. Brinker has changed 
American casual dining, while touching the lives of many in the 
restaurant industry. At one time or another, essentially every major 
restaurant chain in the country had as its leader a former employee of 
Brinker.
  Aside from his commitment to the restaurant industry, Mr. Brinker 
also served as a board member and important counsel for the Susan G. 
Komen for the Cure foundation.
  Mr. Brinker's legacy stands as a testament to interaction with the 
local community, and a foresight for changes in the restaurant 
community that would remain for years to come. I ask my fellow members 
of Congress to join me in honoring Norman Brinker and his impact both 
in the Dallas area and nationwide.

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