Norman Brinker
Officer/Director (PD)
Miami Connection
Brinker expanded his Steak and Ale chain to Miami, serving as officer/director of Steak Ale Miami No. 1, bringing his casual dining innovations to South Florida. This contributed affordable, high-quality restaurant options to the local market during the company's growth phase.
About
Norman Brinker began his career after U.S. Navy service, studying marketing at San Diego State University and rising in fast-food with Jack in the Box before founding Steak and Ale in 1965, introducing innovations like salad bars. He merged it with Pillsbury in 1976, became executive vice president, and later chaired their restaurant group including Bennigan's. In 1983, he invested in and became CEO of Chili's, growing it into Brinker International with chains like Romano's Macaroni Grill and Maggiano's Little Italy. Brinker had a Miami connection as officer/director (PD) of Steak Ale Miami No. 1, a Florida corporation registered in Miami, FL 33132. He stepped down as chairman in 2000, becoming chairman emeritus. Brinker passed away in 2009.