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Opening a New Brinker Nation Restaurant: A Step‑by‑Step Checklist for Success

April 17, 2025

Introduction

Launching a new restaurant under the Brinker Nation banner—whether Chili’s® Grill & Bar or Maggiano’s Little Italy®—requires meticulous planning, cross‑functional coordination, and unwavering brand standards. This step‑by‑step checklist compiles the essential phases and tasks to guide franchisees and corporate teams from initial concept to a thriving grand opening.

Phase 1: Market & Site Preparation

  1. Market Analysis
    • Review demographic and competitive data to confirm sufficient demand
    • Verify household income, traffic counts, and local dining trends
  2. Site Selection
    • Evaluate real‑estate options with Brinker’s real‑estate team
    • Confirm compliance with zoning, parking minimums, and visibility requirements
    • Negotiate lease terms using standardized Brinker Nation templates
  3. Feasibility & Approval
    • Submit pro­forma financials to Brinker corporate
    • Secure site approval from regional development committee
    • Obtain any necessary municipal or franchisee board sign‑offs

Phase 2: Design & Construction

  1. Architectural Design
    • Implement brand‑approved floor plans and décor schemes
    • Coordinate with Brinker Nation’s preferred architects and interior designers
  2. Permitting & Procurement
    • File for building, health‑dept, fire‑dept, and signage permits
    • Order kitchen equipment, furniture, and POS hardware through Brinker’s vendor network
  3. Construction Management
    • Establish a project timeline with milestones (groundbreaking, rough‑in, finish‑out)
    • Hold weekly build‑out calls with contractors, Brinker project managers, and franchisee rep
    • Conduct site walkthroughs at each milestone to ensure quality and schedule adherence

Phase 3: Pre‑Opening Operations

  1. Staff Recruitment
    • Hire key leadership: GM, assistant manager, executive chef (Maggiano’s®) or kitchen manager (Chili’s®)
    • Post hourly positions and screen candidates via Brinker U® hiring modules
    • Complete background checks and new‑hire paperwork
  2. Training & Onboarding
    • Enroll all staff in Brinker U® foundational courses (hospitality basics, brand values, safety protocols)
    • Schedule on‑site skill days: mixology labs for bartenders, pasta‑making for cooks, service standards for servers
    • Pair new hires with “buddy” mentors for first‑30‑day coaching
  3. Systems Integration
    • Install and configure POS, Kitchen Display System (KDS), and back‑office analytics tools
    • Set up payroll and scheduling software integrated with corporate systems
    • Test loyalty and gift‑card programs in end‑to‑end transactions

Phase 4: Marketing & Community Outreach

  1. Local Store Marketing Plan
    • Customize Brinker Nation’s LSM toolkit: print flyers, social media assets, and direct‑mail postcards
    • Schedule neighborhood soft‑opening events (VIP previews, charity fundraisers, community tastings)
  2. Digital Launch Campaign
    • Coordinate app‑push notifications and email blasts to existing Chili’s®/Maggiano’s® members in the trade area
    • Activate geofencing ads on mobile platforms targeting local ZIP codes
  3. Public Relations & Media
    • Issue a grand‑opening press release via Brinker’s corporate PR team
    • Host media tastings for local food critics and bloggers
    • Secure local TV/radio spots and community‑paper features

Phase 5: Grand Opening Execution

  1. Soft Open
    • Run a limited menu for staff friends & family to stress‑test kitchen and service workflows
    • Collect feedback and adjust standard recipes, staffing levels, and timing
  2. Grand‑Opening Event
    • Coordinate ribbon‑cutting with chamber of commerce and franchisee leadership
    • Offer opening‑week specials (double loyalty points, free appetizers)
    • Deploy extra support: “floaters,” regional managers, and mobile corporate teams for real‑time troubleshooting
  3. Performance Monitoring
    • Track key metrics daily: covers, average check, ticket times, and guest satisfaction scores
    • Hold end‑of‑day debriefs with leadership to address any gaps

Phase 6: Post‑Launch Optimization

  1. 60‑ and 90‑Day Reviews
    • Conduct Quarterly Business Review with franchisee, corporate ops, and finance teams
    • Compare actual vs. forecasted sales, labor %, and food costs
    • Identify top‑performing and underperforming menu items
  2. Ongoing Training & Coaching
    • Refresh staff via Brinker U® advanced modules (upselling, conflict resolution, advanced cooking techniques)
    • Implement one‑on‑one coaching based on mystery‑shop and guest‑feedback data
  3. Community Integration
    • Establish recurring “Neighborhood Night” charity events
    • Join local business associations and sponsor youth sports or cultural festivals

Conclusion

This Brinker Nation checklist provides a structured blueprint for launching a Chili’s® or Maggiano’s® restaurant—aligning every phase with corporate standards and local market needs. By following these six phases—from site selection to post‑launch optimization—restaurants maximize their chances for a smooth opening, rapid ramp‑up, and sustained success. Remember: the real work begins after launch, so keep measuring, learning, and engaging with your community to fully realize Brinker Nation’s promise of exceptional hospitality.