BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC
10-Q, 1999-02-04
EATING PLACES
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                             FORM 10-Q

                   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                         WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

             QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE

                    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



For the Quarter Ended December 23, 1998

Commission File Number 1-10275


                      BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


             DELAWARE                            75-1914582
    (State or other jurisdiction of          (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)           Identification No.)


                  6820 LBJ FREEWAY, DALLAS, TEXAS  75240
                 (Address of principal executive offices)
                             (Zip Code)

                          (972) 980-9917
            (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.

Yes   X   No

Number of shares of common stock of registrant outstanding at
December 23, 1998: 65,932,131



                      BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

                               INDEX




Part I -  Financial Information

          Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
           December 23, 1998 (Unaudited) and June 24, 1998   3 - 4

          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
           (Unaudited) - Thirteen week and twenty-six week
           periods ended December 23, 1998
           and December 24, 1997                                 5

          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           (Unaudited) - Twenty-six week periods ended
           December 23, 1998 and December 24, 1997               6

          Notes to Condensed Consolidated
           Financial Statements (Unaudited)                      7

          Management's Discussion and Analysis of
           Financial Condition and Results of Operations    8 - 13

Part II - Other Information                                14 - 15




PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION



                      BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                            (In thousands)



                                        December 23,    June 24,
                                            1998           1998
ASSETS                                  (Unaudited)
Current Assets:
 Cash and Cash Equivalents              $    22,629     $   9,382
 Accounts Receivable                         19,031        18,789
 Inventories                                 15,291        13,774
 Prepaid Expenses                            40,280        36,576
 Deferred Income Taxes                        2,420         3,250
 Other                                        1,949         2,007

     Total Current Assets                   101,600        83,778

Property and Equipment, at Cost:
 Land                                       160,730       145,900
 Buildings and Leasehold Improvements       601,157       541,403
 Furniture and Equipment                    326,753       310,849
 Construction-in-Progress                    44,682        48,245
                                          1,133,322     1,046,397
 Less Accumulated Depreciation
  and Amortization                          371,305       337,825

     Net Property and Equipment             762,017       708,572

Other Assets:
 Goodwill                                    75,217        76,330
 Other                                      118,588        98,984

     Total Other Assets                     193,805       175,314

     Total Assets                       $ 1,057,422     $ 967,664

                                                (continued)



                      BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
             (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




                                        December 23,     June 24,
                                            1998           1998
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY    (Unaudited)

Current Liabilities:
 Current Installments of Long-term Debt $    14,635     $  14,618
 Accounts Payable                            79,895        75,878
 Accrued Liabilities                         96,759        85,852

  Total Current Liabilities                 191,289       176,348

Long-term Debt, Less Current Installments   187,616       147,288
Deferred Income Taxes                        10,226         8,254
Other Liabilities                            41,651        42,035
Commitments and Contingencies

Shareholders' Equity:
 Preferred Stock - 1,000,000 Authorized
  Shares; $1.00 Par Value; No Shares Issued      -             -
 Common Stock - 250,000,000 Authorized
  Shares; $.10 Par Value; 78,150,054
  Shares Issued and 65,932,131 Shares
  Outstanding at December 23, 1998, and
  78,150,054 Shares Issued and 65,926,032
  Shares Outstanding at June 24, 1998         7,815         7,815
 Additional Paid-In Capital                 275,625       276,380
 Retained Earnings                          503,112       464,083
                                            786,552       748,278
 Less Treasury Stock, at Cost (12,217,923
  shares at December 23, 1998 and 12,224,022
   shares at June 24, 1998)                 159,912       154,539
  Total Shareholders' Equity                626,640       593,739

  Total Liabilities and Shareholders' 
   Equity                               $ 1,057,422     $ 967,664


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements.



                      BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
               Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
                (In thousands, except per share amounts)
                            (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
                            13 Week Periods Ended            26 Week Periods Ended
                       Dec. 23, 1998   Dec. 24, 1997      Dec. 23,1998  Dec. 24, 1997

<S>                      <C>            <C>                <C>           <C>
Revenues                 $  443,975     $  374,502         $  876,076    $  750,465

Costs and Expenses:
 Cost of Sales              121,834        101,843            239,594       204,536
 Restaurant Expenses        244,904        208,890            481,249       415,010
 Depreciation and
  Amortization               22,519         21,967             44,222        43,682
 General and
  Administrative             22,200         18,353             43,551        34,920
 Interest Expense             2,327          3,114              4,389         6,853
 Other, Net                   2,315            (63)             3,303          (157)

  Total Costs and
  Expenses                  416,099        354,104            816,308       704,844

Income Before Provision
 for Income Taxes            27,876         20,398             59,768        45,621

Provision for Income Taxes    9,673          7,037             20,739        15,739

   Net Income            $   18,203     $   13,361         $   39,029    $   29,882


Basic Net Income Per
 Share                   $     0.28     $     0.20         $     0.59    $     0.46

Diluted Net Income Per 
 Share                   $     0.27     $     0.20         $     0.58    $     0.45

Basic Weighted Average
 Shares Outstanding          65,608         65,593             65,691        65,460

Diluted Weighted Average
 Shares Outstanding          67,781         66,925             67,688        66,807

</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



                         BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
               Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                               (In thousands)
                                 (Unaudited)

                                              26 Week Periods Ended
                                           December 23,   December 24,
                                               1998           1997
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income                                  $ 39,029      $ 29,882
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income
 to Net Cash Provided by
 Operating Activities:
   Depreciation and Amortization of
     Property and Equipment                   36,758        35,348
   Amortization of Goodwill and Other Assets   7,464         8,334
   Deferred Income Taxes                       2,802         2,123
   Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
      Receivables                               (235)       (2,448)
      Inventories                             (1,517)       (1,265)
      Prepaid Expenses                        (3,704)       (3,672)
      Other Assets                            (6,568)       (6,254)
      Accounts Payable                         4,017        (9,431)
      Accrued Liabilities                     10,907         7,284
      Other Liabilities                         (384)        7,526
   Other                                           -           151

   Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities  88,569        67,578

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for Property and Equipment          (90,203)      (83,162)
Payment for Purchase of Restaurants                -        (2,700)
Net Proceeds from Sale-Leasebacks                  -       125,995
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities      51        17,369
Investments in Equity Method Investees        (3,509)            -
Net Advances to Affiliates                   (15,878)       (4,824)
Additions to Other Assets                          -        (5,175)

      Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
      Investing Activities                  (109,539)       47,503

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net Borrowings (Payments) on Credit 
  Facilities                                  40,505      (115,000)
Payments of Long-term debt                      (160)         (251)
Proceeds from Issuances of Common Stock       11,893         2,285
Purchases of Treasury Stock                  (18,021)         (594)

      Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
      Financing Activities                    34,217      (113,560)

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents     13,247         1,521
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning
 of Period                                     9,382        23,194
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End
 of Period                                  $ 22,629      $ 24,715

CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD:
Interest, Net of Amounts Capitalized        $  3,994      $  8,552
Income Taxes                                $ 24,375      $ 18,418

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements.



                         BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
              Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
                                (Unaudited)



1. Basis of Presentation

    The   condensed  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Brinker
International,  Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively,
the  "Company") as of December 23, 1998 and June 24, 1998 and for the
thirteen week and twenty-six week periods ended December 23, 1998 and
December 24, 1997 have been prepared by the Company pursuant  to  the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The
Company  owns and operates or franchises various restaurant  concepts
under the names of Chili's Grill & Bar ("Chili's"), Romano's Macaroni
Grill  ("Macaroni  Grill"),  On  The Border  Mexican  Cafe  ("On  The
Border"),  Cozymel's Coastal Mexican Grill ("Cozymel's"),  Maggiano's
Little  Italy ("Maggiano's"), Corner Bakery, Eatzi's Market &  Bakery
("Eatzi's"),  Wildfire,  and Big Bowl.  The Company  owns  an  equity
interest in the Eatzi's, Big Bowl, and Wildfire restaurant concepts.

  The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting
only of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) which are, in  the
opinion  of  management,  necessary to  fairly  state  the  operating
results for the respective periods.  However, these operating results
are  not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the  full
fiscal  year.  Certain information and footnote disclosures  normally
included  in annual financial statements prepared in accordance  with
generally  accepted accounting principles have been omitted  pursuant
to   such   rules  and  regulations.  The  notes  to  the   condensed
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction  with
the  notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in  the
June  24,  1998  Form   10-K. Company management  believes  that  the
disclosures are sufficient for interim financial reporting purposes.

  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying
condensed  consolidated financial statements to conform with  current
year presentation.

2. Shareholders' Equity

   On  January 27, 1998, the Board of Directors approved  a  plan  to
repurchase  up  to  $50  million of the Company's  common  stock.  On
January  21,  1999, the Board of Directors authorized an increase  in
the   share  repurchase  program  by  an  additional  $35.0  million.
Repurchases will be made from time to time whenever market conditions
warrant.   Under  this  plan, the Company repurchased  $35.0  million
(1,803,500  shares) of its common stock in accordance with applicable
securities regulations. The repurchased common stock may be  used  by
the Company to satisfy obligations under its savings and stock option
plans and for other corporate purposes.

3. Comprehensive Income

   In  June  1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.  130  ("SFAS
No. 130"), "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130, which  is
effective  for fiscal 1999, establishes standards for the  reporting
and   display   of   comprehensive  income   and   its   components.
Comprehensive  income  is  defined as the  change  in  equity  of  a
business  enterprise  during a period from  transactions  and  other
events  and  circumstances  from  non-owner  sources.  Comprehensive
income  for  the  thirteen week and twenty-six  week  periods  ended
December 23, 1998 is equal to net income as reported.  Comprehensive
income  for  the  thirteen week and twenty-six  week  periods  ended
December 24, 1997 is substantially equal to net income as reported.



                       MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                    FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth selected operating data as a percentage of
total revenues for the periods indicated. All information is derived from
the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

<TABLE>
                            13 Week Periods Ended             26 Week Periods Ended
                         Dec. 23, 1998  Dec. 24, 1997    Dec. 23, 1998  Dec. 24,1997

<S>                           <C>           <C>               <C>            <C>
Revenues                      100.0%        100.0%            100.0%         100.0%

Costs and Expenses:
 Cost of Sales                 27.4%         27.2%             27.4%          27.2%
 Restaurant Expenses           55.2%         55.7%             54.9%          55.3%
 Depreciation and Amortization  5.1%          5.9%              5.0%           5.8%
 General and Administrative     5.0%          4.9%              5.0%           4.7%
 Interest Expense               0.5%          0.8%              0.5%           0.9%
 Other, Net                     0.5%          0.0%              0.4%           0.0%

  Total Costs and Expenses     93.7%         94.5%             93.2%          93.9%

Income Before Provision
 for Income Taxes               6.3%          5.5%              6.8%           6.1%

Provision for Income
 Taxes                          2.2%          1.9%              2.3%           2.1%

   Net Income                   4.1%          3.6%              4.5%           4.0%

</TABLE>
The following table details the number of restaurant openings
during the second quarter and year-to-date, as well as total
restaurants open at the end of the second quarter.


                                                              Total Open at End
               2nd Quarter Openings   Year-to-Date Openings   of Second Quarter
                 Fiscal     Fiscal      Fiscal      Fiscal      Fiscal   Fiscal
                  1999       1998        1999        1998        1999     1998

Chili's:
  Company-owned     5          6           15         13          429      406
  Franchised       11          4           15         12          174      153
     Total         16         10           30         25          603      559
Macaroni Grill:
  Company-owned     3          5            8          8          119      105
  Franchised       --         --           --         --            2        2
     Total          3          5            8          8          121      107
On The Border:
  Company-owned     2          5            7         10           57       44
  Franchised        2          2            5          3           20       10
     Total          4          7           12         13           77       54

Cozymel's           1         --            1         --           13       12

Maggiano's          2          1            3          2           10        7

Corner Bakery      11          6           15          7           45       22

Eatzi's             1         --            2          1            5        2

Wildfire           --         --            1         --            2        1

Big Bowl            2         --            2         --            4        2

 Grand total       40         29           74         56          880      766



REVENUES

Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 1999 increased to  $444.0
million,  18.6%  over  the $374.5 million generated  for  the  same
quarter  of  fiscal 1998. Revenues for the twenty-six  week  period
ended  December  23,  1998 rose 16.7% to $876.1  million  from  the
$750.5  million generated for the same period of fiscal  1998.  The
increase is primarily attributable to a net increase of 77 Company-
owned  restaurants  since  December 24, 1997  and  an  increase  in
average  weekly sales for both the second quarter and  year-to-date
of  fiscal 1999 compared to fiscal 1998. The Company increased  its
capacity  (as measured in sales weeks) for the second  quarter  and
year-to-date  of  fiscal  1999 by 12.6%  and  12.2%,  respectively,
compared to the respective prior year periods. Average weekly sales
at  Company-owned  stores increased 5.0% and 3.8%  for  the  second
quarter  and year-to-date, respectively, from the same  periods  of
fiscal 1998. On a concept basis, average weekly sales increased for
the quarter and year-to-date compared to the same periods of fiscal
1998  by  6.6%  and 4.9% at Chili's and 5.5% and 5.0%  at  Macaroni
Grill and declined by 0.4% and 1.8% at On The Border, respectively.

COSTS AND EXPENSES (as a percent of Revenues)

Cost of sales increased for the second quarter and year-to-date  of
fiscal 1999 as compared to the respective periods for fiscal  1998.
Unfavorable  commodity prices for poultry and dairy were  partially
offset  by  favorable  product  mix changes  as  well  as  improved
purchasing leverage.

Restaurant expenses decreased on both a comparative second  quarter
and  year-to-date  basis  primarily due to  leverage  from  average
weekly sales increases on fixed costs. The decreases were partially
offset  by  an  increase  in  rent expense  due  to  sale-leaseback
transactions  which occurred in fiscal 1998 and the utilization  of
the equipment leasing facility.

Depreciation and amortization decreased for both the second quarter
and  year-to-date  of fiscal 1999.  Depreciation  and  amortization
decreases  resulted from the impact of sale-leaseback  transactions
which  occurred in fiscal 1998 and the utilization of the equipment
leasing facility, as well as a declining depreciable asset base for
older  units.  Partially offsetting these decreases were  increases
in  depreciation and amortization related to new unit  construction
costs and ongoing remodel costs.

General  and administrative expenses increased for both the  second
quarter  and year-to-date of fiscal 1999 compared to the respective
periods  in  fiscal 1998 as a result of increased costs related  to
Year  2000 initiatives, additional staff and support as the Company
continues  the expansion of its restaurant concepts, and  increased
fiscal   1999  profit  sharing  accruals  based  on  the  Company's
continued strong performance.

Interest  expense decreased in both the second quarter and year-to-
date  due  to reduced borrowings compared with fiscal 1998  on  the
Company's credit facilities and an increase in the construction-in-
progress balances subject to interest capitalization.

Other,  net  increased for both the second quarter and year-to-date
of  fiscal  1999  as compared to the respective periods  in  fiscal
1998.  Other,  net was negatively impacted by the  almost  complete
liquidation of the marketable securities portfolio in the last half
of  fiscal 1998 to fund a portion of the Company's repurchase plan.
This liquidation resulted in a reduction of income earned, which in
fiscal  1998  was partially offset by the Company's  share  of  net
losses  in  equity method investees.  As of December 23, 1998,  the
marketable securities portfolio has been fully liquidated.

In addition, other, net increased on both a second quarter and year-
to-date  basis due to the Company's share of net loss  in  Eatzi's.
During  the  second  quarter of fiscal 1999, the  Company  recorded
approximately $1.1 million related to the decision made by  Eatzi's
management  to abandon development on two restaurant  sites.   This
decision  was  made  in  conjunction with a  strategic  plan  which
includes slowing development in order to refine and strengthen  the
concept.  The  types  of  costs  recorded  primarily  include  site
specific  development  costs and accrual of  costs  to  exit  lease
obligations.

INCOME TAXES

The  Company's effective income tax rate was 34.7% for  the  second
quarter  and year-to-date of fiscal 1999 compared to 34.5% for  the
same  periods of fiscal 1998. The fiscal 1999 effective income  tax
rate  has  increased primarily as a result of a decreased dividends
received  deduction resulting from the liquidation of the Company's
marketable securities portfolio.

NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER SHARE

Net  income increased 36.2% and 30.6%, respectively, for the second
quarter  and year-to-date of fiscal 1999 compared to the respective
periods  of fiscal 1998. The increase in net income was due  to  an
increase  in  revenues as a result of increases in  average  weekly
sales  and  sales  weeks  and a decrease  in  restaurant  expenses,
depreciation  and  amortization,  and  interest  expense  mentioned
above.   Diluted  net  income  per  share  was  $0.27  and   $0.58,
respectively,  for the second quarter and year-to-date  periods  of
fiscal 1999 compared to $0.20 and $0.45, respectively, for the same
periods   of   fiscal  1998.   Diluted  weighted   average   shares
outstanding for the second quarter increased 1.3% compared  to  the
prior  year  period  due to the effect of stock  option  exercises,
partially offset by treasury stock repurchases.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

The  Company has not experienced a significant overall impact  from
inflation.  As  operating expenses increase, the  Company,  to  the
extent  permitted  by  competition,  recovers  increased  costs  by
raising menu prices.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The  working capital deficit decreased from $92.6 million  at  June
24,  1998  to  $89.7  million at December 23, 1998,  and  net  cash
provided by operating activities increased to $88.6 million for the
first half of fiscal 1999 from $67.6 million during the same period
in  fiscal  1998 due to increased profitability and the  timing  of
operational receipts and payments.

Long-term debt outstanding at December 23, 1998 consisted of  $85.7
million  of  unsecured senior notes, $100 million of borrowings  on
credit  facilities,  and  obligations under  capital  leases.   The
Company has credit facilities totaling $363.5 million.  At December
23,  1998,  the Company had $253.3 million in available funds  from
credit facilities.

During  fiscal 1998, the Company entered into an equipment  leasing
facility  for up to $55.0 million, of which funding commitments  of
$47.5  million have been obtained.  As of December 23, 1998,  $41.9
million of the leasing facility has been utilized, including a  net
funding  of  $17.5 million in fiscal 1999.  The remaining  facility
balance will be used to lease new equipment in fiscal 1999.

Capital  expenditures  consist  of purchases  of  land  for  future
restaurant sites, new restaurants under construction, purchases  of
new and replacement restaurant furniture and equipment, and ongoing
remodeling  programs. Capital expenditures were $90.2  million  for
the  first half of fiscal 1999 as compared to $83.2 million for the
same  period  of fiscal 1998. The increase in capital  expenditures
compared  to  the  first half of fiscal 1998 is due  mainly  to  an
increase in the number of stores being constructed or opened during
the  first half of fiscal 1999 as compared to the respective period
in   fiscal   1998.   The  Company  estimates  that   its   capital
expenditures  during  the  third  quarter  will  approximate  $50.0
million.  These capital expenditures will be funded  from  internal
operations,  build-to-suit  lease agreements  with  landlords,  the
equipment   leasing  facility,  and  drawdowns  on  the   Company's
available lines of credit.

The  Company  is not aware of any other event or trend which  would
potentially  affect  its  liquidity. In  the  event  such  a  trend
develops,  the  Company believes that there  are  sufficient  funds
available  under  its  lines of credit  and  strong  internal  cash
generating  capabilities  to adequately  manage  the  expansion  of
business.

YEAR 2000

The Year 2000 will have a broad impact on the business environment
in  which  the Company operates due to the possibility  that  many
computerized  systems  across all industries  will  be  unable  to
process  information containing dates beginning in the Year  2000.
The  Company has established an enterprise-wide program to prepare
its  computer systems and applications for the Year  2000  and  is
utilizing  both  internal  and  external  resources  to  identify,
correct  and  test  the  systems for Year  2000  compliance.   The
Company's  domestic reprogramming has been substantially completed
and  testing efforts will be substantially concluded by  June  30,
1999.  The Company expects that all mission-critical systems  will
be Year 2000 ready prior to September 30, 1999.

The  nature  of the Company's business is such that  the  business
risks  associated with the Year 2000 can be reduced  by  assessing
the  vendors  supplying the Company's restaurants  with  food  and
related  products and also assessing the Company's  franchise  and
joint  venture business partners to ensure that they are aware  of
the  Year  2000  business  risks and are appropriately  addressing
them.

Because third party failures could have a material impact  on  the
Company's  ability to conduct business, questionnaires  have  been
sent  to  substantially  all of the Company's  vendors  to  obtain
reasonable assurance that plans are being developed to address the
Year 2000 issue. The returned questionnaires have been assessed by
the  Company, categorized based upon readiness for the  Year  2000
issues,  and prioritized in order of significance to the  business
of  the Company.  To the extent that vendors have not provided the
Company  with satisfactory evidence of their readiness  to  handle
Year  2000 issues, contingency plans (including continued  efforts
to   evaluate   Year  2000  readiness  of  existing   vendors   or
identification of alternative vendors) are being developed.

Based  upon  questionnaires returned by  the  Company's  franchise
business  partners  and direct communications with  the  Company's
joint venture business partners, the Company has assessed the Year
2000  readiness of these business partners and has implemented  an
action  plan  involving direct communication and  the  sharing  of
information regarding the potential business risks associated with
the Year 2000 issue.

The  Company  has  substantially completed  an  inventory  of  all
information  technology and non-information  technology  equipment
and  is assessing the Year 2000 readiness of such equipment.  This
assessment  is  expected to be complete by March 31,  1999.  Based
upon  results  of  the assessment, all mission-critical  equipment
that is not Year 2000 ready will be fixed or upgraded.

The enterprise-wide program, including testing and remediation  of
all  of  the  Company's  systems and  applications,  the  cost  of
external  consultants, the purchase of software and hardware,  and
the  compensation  of  internal employees  working  on  Year  2000
projects, is expected to cost approximately $6 million (except for
fringe  benefits of internal employees, which are  not  separately
tracked)  from inception in calendar year 1997 through  completion
in calendar year 1999.  Of these costs, approximately $750,000 was
incurred  during  fiscal  1998,  and  approximately  $900,000  was
incurred through the first half of fiscal 1999. Approximately $2.6
million  is  expected  to be incurred in the remainder  of  fiscal
1999,  with the remaining $1.75 million to be incurred  in  fiscal
2000.  All estimated costs have been budgeted and are expected  to
be funded by cash flows from operations.

The  Company  anticipates timely completion of the  internal  Year
2000  readiness efforts and does not believe the costs related  to
the  Year 2000 readiness project will be material to its financial
position  or  results  of  operations. However,  if  unanticipated
problems  arise from systems or equipment, there could be material
adverse  effects on the Company's consolidated financial position,
results  of operations and cash flows.  As part of the  Year  2000
readiness  efforts,  the Company is developing  contingency  plans
which  will need to be performed in the event of internal  systems
failures.  The contingency plans are expected to be  completed  by
July  31,  1999,  but  will be modified as additional  information
regarding  possible  internal systems failures becomes  available.
Although  the questionnaires and other communications received  by
the  Company  from its significant vendors have not disclosed  any
material  Year  2000  issues, there is  no  assurance  that  these
vendors  will  be Year 2000 ready on a timely basis. Unanticipated
failures  or significant delays in furnishing products or services
by significant vendors could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's  consolidated financial position, results of  operations
and  cash flows.  Where predictable, the Company is assessing  and
attempting  to mitigate its risks with respect to the  failure  of
its  significant  vendors to be Year 2000 ready  as  part  of  its
ongoing contingency planning.

In the worst case reasonably to be expected, some of the Company's
internal  systems or equipment may fail to operate  properly,  and
some of its significant vendors may fail to perform effectively or
may  fail  to  timely  or completely deliver  products.  In  those
circumstances, the Company expects to be able to conduct necessary
business   operations  and  to  obtain  necessary  products   from
alternative  vendors,  and  business  operations  would  generally
continue; however, there would be some disruption which could have
a  material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows. Similarly, if  the
Company's  franchise and joint venture business  partners  sustain
disruptions  in  their  business  operations,  there  could  be  a
material  adverse  effect on the Company's consolidated  financial
position,  results of operations and cash flows.  The Company  has
no  basis  upon which to reasonably analyze the direct or indirect
effects on its guests from Year 2000 issues or experiences.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The  Company  is exposed to market risk from changes  in  interest
rates on debt and changes in commodity prices.

The  Company's  net  exposure to interest rate  risk  consists  of
floating  rate  instruments  that  are  benchmarked  to  U.S.  and
European short-term interest rates. The Company may from  time  to
time  utilize  interest rate swaps and forwards to manage  overall
borrowing  costs  and reduce exposure to adverse  fluctuations  in
interest  rates.  The Company does not use derivative  instruments
for  trading purposes and the Company has procedures in  place  to
monitor  and  control derivative use. The impact on the  Company's
results of operations of a one-point interest rate change  on  the
outstanding  balance of the variable rate debt as of December  23,
1998 would be immaterial.

The  Company purchases certain commodities such as beef,  chicken,
flour  and  cooking oil. These commodities are generally purchased
based  upon market prices established with vendors.  The  purchase
arrangements may contain contractual features that limit the price
paid  by  establishing certain price floors or caps.  The  Company
does  not  use  financial  instruments to hedge  commodity  prices
because these purchase arrangements help control the ultimate cost
paid  and any commodity price aberrations are generally short term
in nature.

This  market  risk discussion contains forward-looking statements.
Actual  results  may differ materially from this discussion  based
upon  general market conditions and changes in domestic and global
financial markets.


NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In  June  1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial  Accounting
Standards No. 131 ("SFAS No. 131"), "Disclosures about Segments of
an  Enterprise and Related Information."  SFAS No. 131 establishes
standards   for   the  way  public  business  enterprises   report
information   about   operating  segments  in   annual   financial
statements  and  requires  those enterprises  to  report  selected
information about operating segments in interim financial reports.
SFAS  No.  131 is effective for the Company's fiscal  1999  annual
financial statements.  The adoption of this standard will have  no
impact  on  the  Company's  consolidated  results  of  operations,
financial position, or cash flow.

In   April  1998,  the  American  Institute  of  Certified  Public
Accountants  issued  Statement  of  Position  98-5  ("SOP  98-5"),
"Reporting  of  the Costs of Start-up Activities."   SOP  98-5  is
effective  for  financial statements issued  for  years  beginning
after  December 15, 1998; therefore, the Company will be  required
to  implement its provisions by the first quarter of fiscal  2000.
At  that  time, the Company will be required to change the  method
currently  used to account for preopening costs.  The  application
of  SOP  98-5  will  result in deferred preopening  costs  on  the
Company's  consolidated balance sheet as of the date of  adoption,
net  of  related tax effects, being charged to operations  as  the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.  Under  the
new   requirements  for  accounting  for  preopening  costs,   the
subsequent  costs  of  start-up activities  will  be  expensed  as
incurred. A resulting benefit of this change is the discontinuance
of  amortization expense in subsequent periods. As of December 23,
1998, the balance of deferred preopening costs, net of related tax
effects,  is  approximately $6.9 million.  However,  the  ultimate
impact of adopting SOP 98-5 on the accounting for preopening costs
is  contingent upon the number of future restaurant  openings  and
thus, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

In  June  1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial  Accounting
Standards  No.  133 ("SFAS No. 133"), "Accounting  for  Derivative
Instruments  and  Hedging Activities." SFAS  No.  133  establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments  and
hedging  activities.  SFAS No. 133 is effective for the  Company's
first quarter financial statements in fiscal 2000.  The Company is
currently  not  involved  in  derivative  instruments  or  hedging
activities,  and  therefore,  will  measure  the  impact  of  this
statement as it becomes necessary.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain  statements contained herein are forward-looking regarding
future   economic  performance,  restaurant  openings,   operating
margins, the availability of acceptable real estate locations  for
new  restaurants,  the  sufficiency  of  cash  balances  and  cash
generated  from  operating  and financing  activities  for  future
liquidity  and  capital resource needs, and other matters.   These
forward-looking  statements involve risks and  uncertainties  and,
consequently,  could  be affected by general business  conditions,
the  impact  of  competition,  the seasonality  of  the  Company's
business, governmental regulations, inflation, changes in economic
conditions,  consumer  perceptions  of  food  safety,  changes  in
consumer  tastes,  governmental  monetary  policies,  changes   in
demographic  trends,  impact  of the Year  2000,  availability  of
employees, or weather and other acts of God.


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The  Company's Proxy Statement dated September 18,  1998  for  the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on October 29, 1998, as  filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 1998,
is incorporated herein by reference.

     (a)  The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was held on
          October 29, 1998.

     (b)  Each of the management's nominees, as described in the Proxy
          Statement referenced above, was elected a director to hold office
          until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his or her
          successor is elected and qualified.

     Number of Affirmative Votes Cast       Number of Withhold Authority 
                                                      Votes Cast

           58,718,353                                  767,767

      (c) The following matter was also voted upon at the meeting and approved
          by the shareholders:

          (i)  approval of the Company's Stock Option and Incentive Plan

     Number of Affirmative Votes Cast         Number of Negative Votes Cast

              30,230,177                                23,737,941

                      Number of Abstain Votes Cast

                              71,924


Item 6: EXHIBITS

Exhibit 27  Financial Data Schedule.  Filed with EDGAR version.


                             SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
                               BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.


Date:  February 4, 1999        By:__________________________________
                                  Ronald A. McDougall, Vice Chairman
                                  and Chief Executive Officer
                                  (Duly Authorized Signatory)



Date:  February 4, 1999        By:__________________________________
                                  Russell G. Owens, Executive Vice
                                  President and Chief Financial
                                  and Strategic Officer
                                  (Principal Financial and Accounting
                                   Officer)



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND RELATED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF INCOME OF BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. AS OF AND FOR THE 26-WEEK
PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 23, 1998, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<MULTIPLIER>  1000
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-23-1998
<CASH>                                          22,629
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   21,201
<ALLOWANCES>                                     (221)
<INVENTORY>                                     15,291
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               101,600
<PP&E>                                       1,133,322
<DEPRECIATION>                               (371,305)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,057,422
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          191,289
<BONDS>                                        187,616
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         7,815
<OTHER-SE>                                     618,825
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,057,422
<SALES>                                        867,055
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               876,076
<CGS>                                          239,594
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  765,065
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   313
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,389
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 59,768
<INCOME-TAX>                                    20,739
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             39,029
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    39,029
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.59
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.58
        

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