This website will be unavailable from Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. due to data center maintenance.

                                                                                


SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 997

	WHEREAS, Norman Brinker of Dallas has achieved extraordinary
success in the restaurant business, and he is indeed worthy of 
special commendation for his myriad achievements; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Brinker demonstrated his drive and determination
at a young age, working his way through school at the New Mexico 
Military Institute; after serving in the United States Navy, he 
earned a place on the 1952 United States Olympic equestrian
team as well as the opportunity to compete in the 1954 Modern 
Pentathlon World Championships in Budapest; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Brinker subsequently enrolled in the marketing
program at San Diego State University, again financing his own 
education; his 1957 graduation with honors heralded a new chapter 
in his life, one that would soon encounter great success in a 
business relationship with Jack-In-The-Box restaurants; rising 
through the ranks, he quickly became a major partner in the 
business, helping it become the popular fast-food chain it is 
today; and
	WHEREAS, While his success at Jack-In-The-Box certainly 
proved his business acumen, it was his own venture that would 
cement his place as a leader in the restaurant industry; seeking 
to fill a niche for patrons between fast food and fine dining, he 
founded Steak & Ale restaurants and introduced a new concept now 
featured in restaurants around the globe, the salad bar; under 
Mr. Brinker's leadership, Steak & Ale thrived and boasted more 
than 100 outlets, including Bennigan's, by the time it merged 
with the Pillsbury Restaurant Group in 1976; and
	WHEREAS, In 1982, Mr. Brinker continued his pursuit of new 
leadership opportunities, leaving Pillsbury to join Chili's, 
then a budding restaurant chain of 28 locations; within a year, 
he took the company public, beginning two decades of remarkable 
growth; today Brinker International is a Fortune 500 company 
traded on the New York Stock Exchange, with five distinct 
restaurant concepts and more than 1,500 locations in 49 states, 
the District of Columbia, and 24 countries; although he retired 
in 2000, Mr. Brinker continues to serve as chairman emeritus of 
the company; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Brinker's legacy is marked not only by the 
popular brands his company has grown, but also by the many people 
he has mentored and inspired in his more than 40 years in the 
restaurant business, including Chris Sullivan and Bob Basham of 
Outback Steakhouse, Wally Doolin of Buca di Beppo, Rick Federico 
of P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Dick Rivera, formerly of Darden 
Restaurants, Creed Ford of Austin-based Fired Up, Incorporated, 
and of course, current Brinker chief executive officer Doug Brooks;
and
	WHEREAS, A deserving recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, 
Norman Brinker is truly an admirable role model for young Texans 
everywhere, and the story of his remarkable journey from humble 
beginnings to prosperity may serve to encourage others to pursue 
their dreams and ambitions; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby congratulate Norman Brinker on his many 
successes and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued 
achievement; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Brinker as an expression of high regard from the 
Texas Senate.
                                                                          Carona




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 25, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate