News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          

June 21, 2004

“Chili’s Grill & Bar”

The groundbreaking for Sumter’s newest restaurant, Chili’s Grill & Bar, was held Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at 2505 Broad Street Extension, across from the Holiday Inn Express on the Broad Street Extension.

The Sumter location of Chili’s Grill & Bar will be owned and operated by Bonnaroo Restaurant Group.  Bonnaroo was recently awarded the franchise for fifteen new Chili’s locations in South Carolina and Georgia and they have selected Sumter as their first location.  The Bonnaroo group is among the first Chili's franchise partners to pursue developments exclusively in non-metropolitan cities and towns, according to Wilson Craft, President of Chili's. "With a well-established presence in major metro areas, we're expanding to communities beyond the outer-ring suburbs and seeing a tremendous opportunity for the Chili's brand on 'Main Street USA,'" said Craft. "Based on our success in non-metro areas so far, we think these markets are ripe for both franchise

and company development, and we're excited that a proven operator like Greg Cyrier sees their potential."  

Greg Cyrier, president of Bonnaroo, based out of Athens, Georgia, stated that Sumter was selected as the location for their first new Chili’s Grill & Bar because of Sumter’s growth, demographics, vibrancy and central location within South Carolina.  Cyrier is a 20- year restaurant industry veteran whose background includes operations management experience with Brinker International, the parent company of Chili’s and La Madeleine French Bakery and Cafe.  Cyrier describes Chili’s as a comfortable, casual dining restaurant that caters to all age groups.  Chili's Grill & Bar offers a fun, energetic atmosphere and a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites in more than 900 locations in 22 countries.

Chili's is part of Dallas-based Brinker International, a recognized leader in casual dining. Other Brinker restaurant concepts include Romano's Macaroni Grill, Maggiano's Little Italy, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Big Bowl Asian Kitchen, Corner Bakery Cafe and Rockfish Seafood Grill.

Ray Reich, Director of the City of Sumter’s new department of growth and development has indicated that the restaurant is expected to open in late October and will employ approximately 100 local people.  Hiring and staffing will begin in early September.  Reich stated, “we are extremely pleased to see national companies like Chili’s recognize the potential that Sumter provides for growing their company. The residents of Sumter have expressed a desire for more restaurants and more retail and it is the goal of City Council, through the creation of the Department of Growth & Development to achieve that goal.”

For additional information, contact Greg Cyrier at the Bonnaroo Restaurant Group (706) 369-7445, greg@bonnaroogroup.com or Ray Reich, City of Sumter, (803) 436-2535, rreich@sumter-sc.com.