CEO Kevin Hochman attributed the sustained momentum to a strategic focus on menu innovation, including the popular Big Crispy chicken sandwich, and disciplined marketing investments. Company sales reached $1.52 billion for the quarter, up from $1.45 billion during the same period in 2025. Diluted net income per share rose 30% year-over-year, reflecting improved margins across the brand’s core operations.

While Chili’s saw a 5.6% increase in comparable sales, Maggiano’s faced a 2.5% decline, pressured by lower traffic and select restaurant closures. Despite this, the company maintained a strong cash position, utilizing operational flow to repurchase $400 million in common stock throughout the year. Looking ahead to fiscal 2027, Brinker projects total revenues between $6.15 billion and $6.27 billion, bolstered by an extra operating week in the fourth quarter.