Brinker International Gets Jefferies Upgrade as Shares Rise 41%

Brinker International, the owner of Chili’s, received a buy rating from Jefferies as the restaurant company’s shares rose 41% in 2026 and the chain continued efforts to attract and retain diners.

Jefferies raised its rating from hold and increased its price target to $255 from $230. Analyst Alexander Slagle described Brinker’s business as moving beyond a turnaround toward sustained growth.

Chili’s has used social media, menu changes and value-focused advertising to improve sales. Roughly 40% of its menu remains to be refreshed.

Brinker shares are on pace to post gains for a fourth consecutive year. Among 23 analysts covering the company, 20 have buy or strong-buy ratings and three have hold ratings.