Who Invented the Salad Bar?
Norman Brinker is credited as the creator of the salad bar and shaping the way Americans eat out. He knew that the way to capture the average American's taste buds was to find a mix between fast food and fancy restaurant dining. He is also credited for the phrase "Hi, my name is Norman and I will be your waiter tonight," which resonates with patrons each time they sit down for a meal at a restaurant.
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History
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Brinker was born in Denver on June 3, 1991. At an early age, Brinker showed great potential and ingenuity. In order to earn money, Brinker at the age of 10 started a paper route then turned to breeding rabbits and cocker spaniels.
Expert Insight
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As a young entrepreneur, Brinker learned a valuable lesson about business and how to turn a profit. The key to having a successful business is to find a business where sales match the level of production.
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Innovator
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Brinker opened his first restaurant, Steak & Ale, in 1966 with $10,000 and a $5,000 loan. His invention of the salad bar made the restaurant popular and it sported modest prices, quality food and a casual dining experience.
Mentor
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Brinker was known for his business savvy and his people skills. He mentored many other businessmen and entrepreneurs such as the CEOs of Outback Steakhouse and Chuck E. Cheese.
Legacy
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Brinker died at the age of 78 with a long list of restaurant chains that he managed or owned such as Bennigans, Burger King and Chili's. Brinker's restaurant legacy has Chili's standing at near 900 company-owned restaurants and more than 500 franchises. At the time of his death, Brinker International restaurants total 1,700 in 27 countries and includes family friendly, affordable named restaurants such as Maggiano's Little Italy, Romano's Macroni Grill and On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina.
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