Maggiano's Little Italy expanding beverage menu, adds happy hour offerings

Nevin Barich

MIAMI , November 16, 2011 (press release) – Maggiano's Little Italy® is introducing a new beverage menu, giving guests more options and better value than ever before. With premium offerings at an affordable price, the brand has crafted a happy hour inspired by the Italian-American roots of gathering, sharing and celebrating with friends and family.

Available Monday through Friday from 3–6 p.m. at participating restaurants, the premium happy hour features delectable offerings between $3 and $6 :

* At $3 , draft beers including Peroni, Stella Artois, Bud Light® and, new to Maggiano's draft selection, Newcastle Brown Ale®;
* At $4 , made-from-scratch signature flatbreads such as Margherita, Pepperoni and Arugula, Italian Sausage and Chicken and Roasted Pepper;
* At $5 , wines by the glass, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot;
* At $6 , new signature Classic Cocktails made with fresh juices and premium spirits: Cosmopolitan made with SKYY® Infusion Citrus; Lemon Drop made with ABSOLUT CITRON; Pomegranate Martini made with ABSOLUT BERRY ACAI; Primo Margarita made with Patron Silver; Mulberry Street made with Maker's Mark®; and Mojitos made with Bacardi® Rum.


"With new energy and revitalization behind our beverage menu, we're giving our guests another reason to join us and celebrate the company of friends and family with our happy hour," said Steve Provost , president of Maggiano's Little Italy. "In addition to including more choices by-the-glass, the entire wine list has been updated. From California Cabernets to Italian Prosecco, and from full-bodied choices to sweet and blush options, our robust offerings have something for everyone."

The new and extended menu offers more than 40 wines by the glass, including a wider selection of varietals, providing more options to please the palate so guests can find the perfect glass of wine for each course of their meal. The new beverage menu has also added both red and white Sangria in pitchers, further encouraging the Italian-American tradition of family-style dining.

"Sangria is our number one selling cocktail, so it made perfect sense to serve this refreshing beverage by the pitcher to encourage sharing of food and drinks among family and friends, continuing our family-style heritage," added Provost.

The new premium happy hour is available in the dining room, bar and lounge at participating restaurants. Also available are alcohol-free beverages, including flavored lemonade and Italian soda; coffee and tea; after dinner drinks; dessert wines and ports; aperitifs; and frozen Bellini cocktails.

About Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano's Little Italy specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano's menu features both classic and contemporary recipes – authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts. Maggiano's 45 locations worldwide offer lunch and dinner, delivery, carryout service and banquet spaces for special occasions. Maggiano's is owned and operated by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT - News), one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 32 countries and two territories. In addition to Maggiano's, Brinker owns and operates Chili's® Grill & Bar and holds a minority investment in Romano's Macaroni Grill®. For more information, visit www.maggianos.com.

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