New Maggiano's location to open in Columbia, Maryland, on June 9, the brand's 46th restaurant in US

Nevin Barich

COLUMBIA, Maryland , June 3, 2014 (press release) – New restaurant brings 150 jobs to city and introduces guests to brand’s made-from-scratch, Italian-American cuisine; FIRST location to offer new “Lighter Take” Entrees as Part of Full Menu

Also noteworthy: Part of 70,000 sf open-air redevelopment at mall; Expansion one of first projects as part of recently approved Downtown Columbia 30-year Master plan

WHAT: Columbia’s first Maggiano’s Little Italy® will celebrate its grand opening with a not-so-traditional ribbon cutting ceremony Monday, June 9. In true Maggiano’s fashion, leaders including the brand’s president, restaurant managing partner and chef managing partner – along with help from community leaders will cut a 10-foot braided piece of pasta to signify the opening of the brand’s 46th restaurant nationwide.

The location will feature the brand’s new “Lighter Take” menu, which will be available first at Maggiano’s Columbia before rolling out nationwide later this fall. The “Lighter Take” menu offers new preparations of the brand’s most classic dishes like Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine Alfredo, delivering the same flavors and generous portions with at least 1/3 fewer calories. More information and menu available at http://www.LighterTake.com.

In addition, sales from the restaurant’s Friends & Family events will be donated to the Mid-Atlantic chapter of Make-A-Wish®, a non-profit organization which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Also of note, this opening is part of the 70,000 square foot open-air redevelopment at the mall, and is one of the FIRST projects as part of the recently approved Downtown Columbia 30-year Master plan.

WHERE: Maggiano’s Little Italy at The Mall in Columbia (next to Bank of America; across from Athleta and Zoe’s Kitchen)

10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 3160

Columbia, MD 21044

FREE PASTA: Maggiano’s is giving away FREE pasta for a year as they build their loyalty club. Information here - http://go.maggianos.com/columbia

Maggiano's Celebrates First Columbia Restaurant by 'Cutting Pasta' With Community Leaders June 9

About Maggiano’s Little Italy

Maggiano’s 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 46 locations nationwide offer lunch, dinner, delivery and carryout service. Banquet spaces for special occasions are also available at select restaurants. Maggiano’s is owned and operated by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Brinker owns or franchises nearly 1,600 restaurants in 31 countries and two territories. In addition to Maggiano’s, Brinker owns and operates Chili’s® Grill & Bar. For more information, visit www.maggianos.com.

About Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic serves children who reside in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Founded in 1983, the Mid-Atlantic chapter has granted more than 8,000 wishes in the Mid-Atlantic region since its inception. For more information, please visit: www.midatlantic.wish.org.

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