Brinker Boosts Profit Forecast as Diners Flock to Chili’s

Brinker International Inc. boosted its full-year profit outlook as the owner of Chili’s said the restaurant chain will continue to see strong demand this year.

The Dallas-based company lifted its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings per share forecast to $10.45 to $10.85, up from $9.90 to $10.50. It also raised its sales forecast to $5.76 billion to $5.83 billion from $5.6 billion to $5.75 billion. Early share gains of as much as 7.1% were erased after the company said on its earnings call that margins will be hurt by higher food and labor costs.