Document:

Document

        Exhibit 10(f)

BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE BENEFITS PLAN
AND
SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION

Effective May 3, 2017
as amended November 17, 2021 

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN                                                                                    
The purpose of the Brinker International, Inc. Executive Severance Benefits Plan (“Plan”) is to provide severance pay benefits to eligible executive employees whose employment with Brinker International, Inc. (the “Company”) is terminated involuntarily under the conditions described below.
Except as otherwise provided by the Company in writing, this Plan (i) is the sole arrangement of the Company regarding severance-type benefits to eligible executives and (ii) replaces and supersedes all prior plans, programs, understandings and arrangements providing severance-type benefits to eligible executives.  
This document contains the official text of the Plan and also serves as the summary plan description for the Plan.
ELIGIBLE EXECUTIVES                                                                                     
The benefits under this Plan are limited to executive employees who: (i) are at the level of Senior Vice President or higher and are part of the Senior Leadership Team (other than the Chief Executive Officer of the Company), (ii) have entered into a change in control severance agreement with the Company and (iii) are designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) to participate in the Plan.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the following employees be eligible to participate in the Plan: (i) any employee who is eligible to participate in another plan or arrangement maintained by the Company or any of its affiliates which provides severance-type benefits (other than a change in control severance agreement) unless such other plan or arrangement provides that the employee will be eligible to receive benefits under this Plan and/or (ii) any employee who is covered by an employment contract unless the contract provides that the employee will be eligible to receive benefits under this Plan.  In no event will the Chief Executive Officer of the Company be eligible to participate in this Plan.
INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT                                         
■Involuntary Termination 
An executive will be eligible for severance benefits under this Plan only if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that the executive’s employment is being terminated involuntarily by the Company without Cause.
For purposes of the Plan, “Cause” means:
■An act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement by the executive in connection with the Company or a Related Company as determined by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”) or executive committee thereof;

■Gross mismanagement or gross neglect of the executive’s duties to the Company or a Related Company and its policies, procedures or guidelines as determined by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board or executive committee thereof; or
■Conviction of the executive by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony.
For purposes of the Plan, the term “Related Company” means any company during any period in which it is a “parent company” (as that term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Internal Revenue Code) with respect to the Company, or a “subsidiary corporation” (as that term is defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code) with respect to the Company. 
■Termination of Employment Not Eligible for Severance Benefits
Unless the Company provides otherwise in writing, an executive will not be eligible for severance benefits if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that the executive’s employment is terminated for any of the following reasons:
•Resignation or other voluntary termination of employment.
•Failure to return to work upon the expiration of an authorized leave of absence.
•Death or disability.
•Termination for Cause, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion.
•Termination for gross misconduct or violation of company policy.

In addition, notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, an executive will not be eligible to receive severance benefits under this Plan if the executive’s employment terminates or is terminated within two (2) years following a Change in Control and the executive is eligible to be paid severance benefits under a Change in Control severance agreement.

For purposes of this Plan, a “Change in Control” means a “Change in Control” as defined in the Company’s then current fiscal year Profit Sharing Plan, or if none or if there is no such plan:

■a sale, transfer or other conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company on a consolidated basis; or
■the acquisition of beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“ Exchange Act”)) by any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than the Company, directly or indirectly, of securities representing 50% or more of the total number of votes that may be cast for the election of directors of the Company; or
■the failure at any annual or special meetings of the Company’s shareholders held during the three-year period following a “solicitation in opposition” as defined in Rule 14a-6 promulgated under the Exchange Act, of a majority of the persons nominated by the Company in the proxy material mailed to shareholders by the management of the Company to win election to seats on the Board (such majority calculated based upon the total number of persons Board divided by the total number of Board members of the Board as of the beginning of such three-year period), excluding only those who die, retire voluntarily, are disabled or are otherwise disqualified in the interim between their nomination and the date of the meeting.
■Other Employment Offer
Unless the Company provides otherwise in writing, an executive will not be eligible to receive benefits under this Plan if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that any of the following events has occurred:
•The executive has been offered, but refused to accept, another suitable position with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
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•The executive's employment has been terminated in connection with a sale or transfer, merger, establishment of a joint venture, or other corporate transaction (unless such sale or transfer, merger, joint venture or corporate transaction constitutes a Change in Control), and such executive has been offered employment by the successor employer.
•The executive’s employment is terminated in connection with the “outsourcing” of operational functions and he/she has been offered employment by the outsourcing vendor.
CONDITIONS FOR PAYMENT OF SEVERANCE BENEFITS                             
An executive who is involuntarily terminated will not receive severance benefits under this Plan unless the Company determines that the executive has satisfied all of the following conditions:
■Work Until Last Day Designated
The executive must continue to be actively at work through the last day of work designated by the Company, unless the executive is absent due to vacation, temporary layoff, or an approved absence from work (including leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act).
■Execution and Non-Revocation of Release
The executive 
•must execute a separation agreement and general release in the form, and within the time period, prescribed by the Company, and
•must not revoke the separation agreement and general release before it becomes effective.
■Return of Company Property and Settlement of Expenses
On or before the executive’s last day of employment, the executive must return all company property in his or her possession or control and must settle satisfactorily all expenses owed to the Company and any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
SEVERANCE BENEFITS                                                                                     
■Severance Pay and Benefits
The severance pay and benefits provided under the Plan are described in Appendix A.  An eligible executive’s benefits under the Plan are determined based on his or her position with the Company as of the executive’s termination of employment.  
RIGHT TO TERMINATE BENEFITS                                                                   
Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, in the event that the Company in its discretion determines that
•an executive is reemployed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, or successors before the completion of the scheduled payment of severance pay, OR
•the Company determines that an executive has breached any of the terms and conditions set forth in any agreement entered into by the executive as a condition to receiving benefits under this Plan, including, but not limited to, the separation agreement and general release, 
then the Company shall have the right to terminate the benefits payable under this Plan at any time.
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ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN                                                                    
The Committee shall serve as the Plan Administrator.  The Plan Administrator shall have sole authority and discretion to administer and construe the terms of this Plan, subject to applicable requirements of law.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Plan Administrator shall have complete discretionary authority to carry out the following powers and duties:
•To make and enforce such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or proper for the efficient administration of the Plan;
•To interpret the Plan, its interpretation thereof to be final and conclusive on all persons claiming benefits under the Plan;
•To decide all questions, including without limitation, issues of fact, concerning the Plan, including the eligibility of any person to participate in, and receive benefits under, the Plan; and
•To appoint such agents, counsel, accountants, consultants and other persons as may be required to assist in administering the Plan.
CLAIMS PROCEDURE                                                                                        
The Plan Administrator reviews and authorizes payment of severance benefits for those executives who qualify under the provisions of the Plan.  No claim forms need be submitted.  Questions regarding payment of the severance benefits should be directed to the Plan Administrator.
If an executive feels he or she is not receiving severance benefits which are due, the executive should file a written claim for the benefits with Plan Administrator.  A decision on whether to grant or deny the claim will be made within 90 days following receipt of the claim.  If more than 90 days is required to render a decision, the executive will be notified in writing of the reasons for delay.  In any event, however, a decision to grant or deny a claim will be made by not later than 180 days following the initial receipt of the claim.
If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the executive will receive a written explanation of the specific reasons for the denial, including a reference to the Plan provisions on which the denial is based.
If the executive wishes to appeal this denial, the executive may write within 60 days after receipt of the notification of denial.  The claim will then be reviewed by the Board, and the executive will receive written notice of the final decision within 60 days after the request for review.  If more than 60 days is required to render a decision, the executive will be notified in writing of the reasons for delay before the end of the initial 60 day period.  In any event, however, the executive will receive a written notice of the final decision within 120 days after the request for review.
GENERAL RULES                                                                                               
■Right to Withhold Taxes
The Company shall withhold such amounts from payments under this Plan as it determines necessary to fulfill any federal, state, or local wage or compensation withholding requirements.
■No Right to Continued Employment
Neither the Plan nor any action taken with respect to it shall confer upon any person the right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
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■Benefits Non-Assignable
Benefits under the Plan may not be anticipated, assigned or alienated.
■Unfunded Plan
The Company will make all payments under the Plan, and pay all expenses of the Plan, from its general assets.  Nothing contained in this Plan shall give any eligible executive any right, title or interest in any property of the Company or any of its affiliates nor shall it create any trust relationship.
■Severability
The provisions of the Plan are severable.  If any provision of the Plan is deemed legally or factually invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of the provisions of the Plan, except to such extent or in such application, shall not be affected, and each and every provision of the Plan shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent and in the broadest application permitted by law.
■Section Headings 
Section headings are used herein for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of this Plan.  
■Section 409A
•Although the Company does not guarantee the tax treatment of any payments or benefits under the Plan, the intent of the Company is that the payments and benefits under this Plan be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all Treasury Regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (“Code Section 409A”) and to the maximum extent permitted the Plan shall be limited, construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent.  In no event whatsoever shall the Company or its affiliates or their respective officers, directors, employees or agents be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on an executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
•Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, if at the time of an executive’s separation from service (as defined in Code Section 409A), the executive is a “Specified Employee”, then the Company will defer the payment or commencement of any nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A payable upon separation from service (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to the executive) until the date that is six (6) months following separation from service or, if earlier, the earliest other date as is permitted under Code Section 409A (and any amounts that otherwise would have been paid during this deferral period will be paid in a lump sum on the day after the expiration of the six (6) month period or such shorter period, if applicable).  An executive will be a “Specified Employee” for purposes of this Plan if, on the date of the executive’s separation from service, the executive is an individual who is, under the method of determination adopted by the Company designated as, or within the category of employees deemed to be, a “Specified Employee” within the meaning and in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i).  The Company shall determine in its sole discretion all matters relating to who is a “Specified Employee” and the application of and effects of the change in such determination. 
•Notwithstanding anything in this Plan or elsewhere to the contrary, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Plan providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits that constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of the executive’s employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Plan, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like 
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terms shall mean “separation from service” and the date of such separation from service shall be the date of termination for purposes of any such payment or benefits. 
PLAN AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION                                                        
The Company has the power to amend, modify or terminate this Plan with respect to any executive at any time prior to such executive’s termination of employment by a writing executed by the Board. 
Eligible executives do not have any vested right to severance pay or other benefits under this Plan.
GOVERNING LAWS AND TIME LIMIT FOR BEGINNING LEGAL ACTIONS   
The provisions of the Plan shall be construed, administered and enforced according to applicable federal law and, where appropriate, the laws of the State of Texas without reference to its conflict of laws rules and without regard to any rule of any jurisdiction that would result in the application of the law of another jurisdiction. 
The parties expressly consent that any action or proceeding relating to this Plan or any release or other agreement entered into with respect to this Plan will only be brought in the federal or state courts, as appropriate, located in the State of Texas and that any such action or proceeding be heard without jury, and the parties expressly waive the right to bring any such action in any other jurisdiction and have such action heard before a jury.  
No action relating to this Plan or any release or other agreement entered into with respect to this Plan may be brought later than the first anniversary of earlier of termination of employment or other event giving rise to the claim.
STATEMENT OF ERISA RIGHTS                                                                       
As a participant in this Plan you are entitled to certain rights and protections under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). ERISA provides that all Plan participants shall be entitled to:
■Receive Information About Your Plan and Benefits
Examine, without charge, at the Plan Administrator's office and at other specified locations all documents governing the plan and a copy of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) required to be filed by the Plan with the U.S. Department of Labor and available at the Public Disclosure Room of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.
Obtain, upon written request to the Plan Administrator, copies of documents governing the operation of the Plan and copies of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series), if any required,  and updated summary plan description. The Plan Administrator may make a reasonable charge for the copies.
■Prudent Actions by Plan Fiduciaries
In addition to creating rights for Plan participants ERISA imposes duties upon the people who are responsible for the operation of the Plan. The people who operate your Plan, called “fiduciaries” of the Plan, have a duty to do so prudently and in the interest of you and other Plan participants and beneficiaries. No one, including your employer, or any other person, may fire you or otherwise discriminate against you in any way to prevent you from obtaining a welfare benefit or exercising your rights under ERISA.
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■Enforce Your Rights
If your claim for a severance benefit is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you have a right to know why this was done, to obtain copies of documents relating to the decision without charge, and to appeal any denial, all within certain time schedules.
Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the above rights. For instance, if you request a copy of Plan documents or the latest annual report from the Plan and do not receive them within 30 days, you may file suit in a Federal court. In such a case, the court may require the Plan Administrator to provide the materials and pay you up to $110 a day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the Plan Administrator. If you have a claim for benefits which is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you may file suit in a state or Federal court. If it should happen that Plan fiduciaries misuse the Plan's money, or if you are discriminated against for asserting your rights, you may seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, or you may file suit in a Federal court. The court will decide who should pay court costs and legal fees. If you are successful the court may order the person you have sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs and fees, for example, if it finds your claim is frivolous.
■Assistance with Your Questions
If you have any questions about your Plan, you should contact the Plan Administrator. If you have any questions about this statement or about your rights under ERISA, or if you need assistance in obtaining documents from the Plan Administrator, you should contact the nearest office of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, listed in your telephone directory or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. You may also obtain certain publications about your rights and responsibilities under ERISA by calling the publications hotline of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION                                                                          
						
	Plan Sponsor:	Brinker International, Inc.
3000 Olympus Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75019
972-980-9917

	Employer Identification Number (EIN):	

75-1914582

	Plan Name:	Brinker International, Inc. Executive Severance Benefits Plan
	Type of Plan:	Welfare benefit plan - severance pay
	Plan Year:	Calendar year
	Plan Number:	[514]

	Plan Administrator:	Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Brinker International, Inc.
3000 Olympus Blvd
Dallas, Texas 75019
972-980-9917
Attention: Compensation Committee Chairperson

	Agent for Service of Legal Process:	

Plan Administrator

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Appendix A

Executive Vice Presidents

■Severance Pay for Executive Vice Presidents of the Company
Amount of Severance Pay and Benefits
The severance pay and benefits are as follows:
■An amount equal to eighteen (18) months of executive’s then current base salary, payable in a lump sum within sixty (60) days after the date of executive’s termination; plus
■An amount equal to the annual bonus for the year of termination under the applicable Brinker International, Inc.  Profit Sharing Plan (“Annual Bonus Plan”) that the executive would have been eligible to earn based on actual Company performance if the executive had remained employed, payable in a lump sum in the Company’s fiscal year following the performance year in which the termination occurred, but in no event later than two and one half months following the end of such performance year; plus
■Subject to (x) executive’s timely election of continuation coverage under COBRA, and (y) executive’s continued copayment of premiums at the same level and cost to executive as if executive were an active employee of the Company, continued payment by the Company of executive’s health insurance coverage during the eighteen (18) month period following the date of termination to the same extent that the Company paid for such coverage immediately prior to the date of termination, subject to the eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions of such insurance coverage. 
The treatment of an executive’s outstanding equity awards, if any, upon termination will be determined in accordance with the applicable equity plan documents. 
Reduction of Severance Pay and Benefits 
Unless the Company, in its sole discretion, provides otherwise in writing, the amount of severance pay payable to an eligible executive as determined above shall be reduced as follows:
•Severance pay will be reduced by any outstanding debt owed by the executive to the Company or any of its affiliates, where permitted by law.
■Other Severance Benefits
The Company, in its sole discretion, and on a case-by-case basis, may pay other benefits to an executive who receives severance pay under this Plan upon termination of employment, including, but not limited to, additional severance pay, continued group health coverage, and outplacement services.

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Brinker International, Inc. Senior Vice Presidents

■Severance Pay
Amount of Severance Pay and Benefits for Brinker International, Inc. Senior Vice Presidents
The severance pay and benefits are as follows:
■An amount equal to twelve (12) months of executive’s then current base salary, payable in a lump sum within sixty (60) days after the date of executive’s termination; plus
■An amount equal to the annual bonus for the year of termination under the applicable Brinker International, Inc.  Profit Sharing Plan (“Annual Bonus Plan”) that the executive would have been eligible to earn based on actual Company performance if the executive had remained employed, payable in a lump sum in the Company’s fiscal year following the performance year in which the termination occurred, but in no event later than two and one half months following the end of such performance year; plus
■Subject to (x) executive’s timely election of continuation coverage under COBRA, and (y) executive’s continued copayment of premiums at the same level and cost to executive as if executive were an active employee of the Company, continued payment by the Company of executive’s health insurance coverage during the twelve (12) month period following the date of termination to the same extent that the Company paid for such coverage immediately prior to the date of termination, subject to the eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions of such insurance coverage. 
The treatment of an executive’s outstanding equity awards, if any, upon termination will be determined in accordance with the applicable equity plan documents. 
Reduction of Severance Pay and Benefits 
Unless the Company, in its sole discretion, provides otherwise in writing, the amount of severance pay payable to an eligible executive as determined above shall be reduced as follows:
•Severance pay will be reduced by any outstanding debt owed by the executive to the Company or any of its affiliates, where permitted by law.
■Other Severance Benefits
The Company, in its sole discretion, and on a case-by-case basis, may pay other benefits to an executive who receives severance pay under this Plan upon termination of employment, including, but not limited to, additional severance pay, continued group health coverage, and outplacement services.

iiDocument

Exhibit 10(q)

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”), entered into this 11th day of May, 2022, is made by and between Brinker International, Inc. (the “Company”) and Kevin Hochman (“Executive”) (together, the “Parties”).
1.Employment.
(a)Term. Executive’s term of employment under this Agreement (the “Term”) shall be for the period commencing on June 6, 2022 (the “Effective Date”) and ending on the date this Agreement is terminated as provided in Section 3. 
(b)Position and Duties. During the Term, the Company shall employ Executive.  Executive shall serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, President of Chili’s Grill & Bar, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), with such responsibilities, duties and authority as are consistent with the position of President and Chief Executive Officer or as may otherwise from time to time be agreed to by Executive and the Board.  Executive will not receive any additional compensation for his service on the Board.  Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company (which shall include service to its affiliates) and shall not engage in outside business activities without the prior consent of the Board, provided that Executive shall be permitted to (i) manage Executive’s personal, financial and legal affairs and (ii) participate in trade associations, in each case, subject to compliance with this Agreement and provided that such activities do not materially interfere with Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder.  Executive agrees to observe and comply in all material respects with the rules and policies of the Company as adopted by the Company from time to time and applicable to the Company’s executive officers and directors generally, including but not limited to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Conduct (each, a “Policy”).  Executive further agrees that Executive shall not accept a position as a member of the board of directors of any other company or organization without first obtaining written consent of the Board, which shall not be unreasonably withheld; Executive’s assumption of any such board position shall be done in accordance in all material respects with the Company’s Policies. 
(c)Location.  Executive will be expected to reside within driving distance of the Company’s current headquarters during the workweek, commencing as soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date.  Executive shall be required to relocate his residence on a full-time basis within driving distance of the Company’s then-current headquarters by no later than September 1, 2024.
2.Compensation and Related Matters. During the Term, Executive will be entitled to the following:
(a)Base Salary. Executive’s initial base salary shall be $900,000 per annum (the “Base Salary”).  The Company shall pay the Base Salary in accordance with its customary payroll practices, and the Base Salary shall be pro-rated for any partial year of employment hereunder. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) and the independent members of the Board and may be adjusted from time to time by the independent members of the Board.
(b)Annual Bonus. Executive shall be eligible to participate in an annual short-term incentive bonus plan that is similar in all material respects to that applicable to other executive 

officers of the Company.  Executive’s annual incentive compensation under such incentive program (“Annual Bonus”) shall be targeted at 110% of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Target Annual Bonus”).  The actual amount of any Annual Bonus that will be paid to Executive each year, if any, may be more or less than the Target Annual Bonus and will be calculated based on the level of achievement of the performance goals established by the Board or Compensation Committee under the incentive program for the year in question and the terms of the incentive program.  The payment of any Annual Bonus pursuant to the incentive program shall be subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the date of payment, except as otherwise provided in Section 4 below. 
(c)Long-Term Incentives.  Executive shall be eligible to participate in and will receive awards under the Company’s long-term incentive programs that commence after the Effective Date and as in effect from time to time at a level and on terms commensurate with his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “LTIP Awards”), as determined by the Compensation Committee and the Board.  The LTIP Awards shall be granted subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans approved by the Board and individual award documents provided to Executive. 
(d)Make-Whole RSUs.  In consideration of Executive’s entry into this Agreement and as an inducement to join the Company, as well as in consideration of certain foregone compensation from his prior employer, on or as soon as practicable following the Effective Date, the Company will grant Executive an award of restricted stock units under the Brinker International, Inc. Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “SOIP”) (the “Make Whole RSUs”).  The Make Whole RSUs will have a grant date value of $1,500,000 and shall vest in full on the third anniversary of the date of grant.  The Make Whole RSUs will be granted subject to the terms and conditions of the SOIP and an individual award document to be provided to Executive.
(e)Signing Bonus. In consideration of Executive’s entry into this Agreement and as an inducement to join the Company, as well as in consideration of certain foregone compensation from his prior employer, the Company will pay Executive a cash bonus in the amount of $400,000 (the “Signing Bonus”), payable in two installments as follows:  a first payment of $250,000 payable on or as soon as practicable following the Effective Date, with such amount subject to the Executive’s repayment to the Company at its written request in the event Executive’s employment terminates for Cause pursuant to Section 3(a)(iii) or due to Executive’s resignation without Good Reason pursuant to Section 3(a)(vi), in either case prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date; and a second payment of $150,000, payable on or as soon as practicable following the first anniversary of the Effective Date.   
(f)Benefits.  Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans as in effect from time to time, on the same basis as those benefits are generally made available to other senior executives of the Company, in each case, to the extent that Executive is eligible under the terms of such plans or programs.
(g)Vacation. Executive shall be entitled to 4 weeks of paid vacation in addition to Company-recognized holidays. Any vacation shall be taken at the reasonable and mutual convenience of the Company and Executive and will be subject to the Company’s vacation policy as in effect from time to time.
(h)Business Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel and other business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy.
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3.Termination.  Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company, or by Executive, as applicable, under the following circumstances:
(a)Circumstances.
(i)Death. Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s death.
(ii)Disability. If Executive has incurred a Disability, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment. “Disability” shall mean Executive is unable, by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, to engage in any substantial gainful activity, which condition is expected to have a duration of not less than 120 days.
(iii) Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause. “Cause” means one or more of the following as determined by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board or executive committee thereof: (1) an act of fraud, misappropriation, embezzlement, theft or falsification of Company records by the Executive in connection with the Company; (2) gross mismanagement or gross neglect of the Executive’s duties to the Company; (3) a material breach of the Company’s written policies (such as the Company’s Code of Conduct), including unethical conduct, violation of law, acts of violence or threats of violence or other inappropriate behavior that causes substantial reputational harm to the Company or exposes the Company to substantial legal liability (unless such breach, if reasonably susceptible of cure, is cured within fifteen (15) days after written notice is given by the Company to Executive specifying the alleged breach); (4) commission of an act or omission which causes Executive or the Company to be in violation of federal or state securities laws, rules or regulations; or (5) conviction of Executive by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony. 
(iv)Termination without Cause.  The Company may terminate Executive’s employment without Cause.
(v)Resignation for Good Reason.  Executive may resign and terminate Executive’s employment with the Company for Good Reason. “Good Reason” means the satisfaction of all of the following requirements:

(1)One or more of the following facts and circumstances exist: (A) a reduction in the Executive’s then current Base Salary other than a general reduction in base salary that affects all similarly situated executives in substantially the same proportions; (B) a reduction in Executive’s Target Annual Bonus; (C) a relocation of the principal location at which Executive is required to provide services by more than fifty (50) miles (with it being understood Executive’s initial relocation to work at the Company’s current headquarters location is excluded from satisfying this requirement); (D) the Company’s failure to obtain an agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform, except where such assumption occurs by operations of law; (E) a material, adverse change in Executive’s title, reporting relationship, authority, duties or responsibilities; (F) a material breach by Company of any other material provision of this Agreement or any other material written agreement between Company and Executive; or (G) a failure of any successor to the Company to nominate the Executive for election by shareholders to the successor company’s board of directors; and
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(2)Executive shall have provided the Company written notice within thirty (30) days of his or her knowledge or reason to know of the existence of any fact or circumstance constituting Good Reason, the Company shall have failed to cure or eliminate such fact(s) or circumstance(s) within thirty (30) days of its receipt of such notice, and the resulting termination of employment must occur within thirty (30) days following expiration of such cure period. 

(vi) Resignation Without Good Reason.  Executive may resign Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason other than Good Reason or for no reason.
(b)Company Obligations upon Termination. Upon termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to any of the circumstances listed in Section 3(a), Executive (or Executive’s estate) shall be entitled to receive the sum of:  (i) all earned but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination prorated for any partial period of employment, payable in accordance with the Employer’s customary payroll practices and the requirements of applicable law; (ii) any benefits to which Executive has a vested entitlement as of the date of termination, payable in accordance with the terms of any applicable benefit plan or as otherwise required by law; (iii) any accrued but unused vacation, payable in a lump sum with Executive’s final pay check or as otherwise required by law; and (iv) payment of any approved but not yet reimbursed business expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, payable in accordance with applicable policies of the Company.  Except as otherwise expressly required by law or as specifically provided herein, all of Executive’s rights to salary, severance, benefits, bonuses and other compensatory amounts hereunder (if any) shall cease upon the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder.  In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for any reason, Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be to receive the payments and benefits described in this Section 3(b) or Section 4, as applicable.
(c)Deemed Resignations. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from the Board and all offices and directorships, if any, then held with the Company, and of its affiliates and any of its benefit plans. 
4.Severance Payments.
(a)Termination for Cause, Death, Disability or Resignation Without Good Reason. If Executive’s employment shall terminate as a result of Executive’s death pursuant to Section 3(a)(i) or Disability pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii), for Cause pursuant to Section 3(a)(iii), or for Executive’s resignation without Good Reason pursuant to Section 3(a)(vi), then Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits, except as provided in Section 3(b). 
(b)Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason Not in Connection with a Change in Control. If Executive’s employment terminates without Cause pursuant to Section 3(a)(iv) or due to Executive’s resignation for Good Reason pursuant to Section 3(a)(v), in either case prior to or more than two years following a Change in Control (as defined below), then, subject to Executive signing within the period of time set forth therein, and not revoking, a general release of claims in the form provided by the Company (the “Release”) and Executive’s continued compliance with Sections 5, 6, and 7,  Executive shall receive, in addition to the payments and benefits set forth in Section 3(b), the following:
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(i)an amount in cash equal to 2.00 multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in substantially equal installments over the 24-month period beginning on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following the date on which the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (or if the period in which such Release may become effective and irrevocable spans two calendar years, in the later calendar year);
(ii)an amount in cash equal to Executive’s Target Annual Bonus for the year during which the termination of employment occurs, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the date on which the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (or if the period in which such Release may become effective and irrevocable spans two calendar years, in the later calendar year); 
(iii)any earned but unpaid Annual Bonus for the fiscal year prior to the year that includes the date of termination, payable when such annual bonuses are otherwise paid to Company executives and in all events during the year that includes the date of termination;
(iv) accelerated vesting and settlement of any unvested portion of the Make-Whole RSUs; and
(v) subject to Executive’s timely election of continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), and subject to Executive’s copayment of premium amounts at the active employees’ rate, the Company shall pay the remainder of the premiums for Executive’s and his eligible dependents’ participation in the Company’s group health plans pursuant to COBRA for a period ending on the earlier of (A) the 18-month anniversary of the date of termination; (B) Executive becoming eligible for other group health benefits, or (C) the expiration of Executive’s rights under COBRA; provided, however, that in the event that the benefits provided herein would subject the Company or any of its affiliates to any tax or penalty under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or Section 105(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), Executive and the Company agree to work together in good faith to restructure the foregoing benefit.
(vi)Executive shall not be obligated to mitigate the amount of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder by seeking other employment, or otherwise, nor shall the amounts payable to Executive hereunder be reduced by, or setoff against, any compensation or other amounts earned by Executive from any subsequent employer, self-employment or otherwise.
(c)Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control.  If Executive’s employment terminates without Cause pursuant to Section 3(a)(iv) or due to Executive’s resignation for Good Reason pursuant to Section 3(a)(v), in either case within two years following a Change in Control (as defined below), then, subject to Executive signing within the period of time set forth therein, and not revoking, the Release) and Executive’s continued compliance with Sections 5, 6, and 7, the Executive shall receive, in addition to the payments and benefits set forth in Section 3(b), the following:
(i)an amount in cash equal to (A) 3.00 multiplied by Executive’s Base Salary plus (B) Executive’s Target Annual Bonus for the year during which the termination of employment occurs, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the date on which the 
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Release becomes effective and irrevocable (or if the period in which such Release may become effective and irrevocable spans two calendar years, in the later calendar year);
(ii)any earned but unpaid Annual Bonus for the fiscal year prior to the year that includes the date of termination, payable when such annual bonuses are otherwise paid to Company executives and in all events during the year that includes the date of termination;
(iii) accelerated vesting and settlement of any unvested portion of the Make-Whole RSUs; and
(iv) subject to Executive’s timely election of continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), and subject to Executive’s copayment of premium amounts at the active employees’ rate, the Company shall pay the remainder of the premiums for Executive’s and his eligible dependent’s participation in the Company’s group health plans pursuant to COBRA for a period ending on the earlier of (A) the 18-month anniversary of the date of termination; (B) Executive becoming eligible for other group health benefits, or (C) the expiration of Executive’s rights under COBRA; provided, however, that in the event that the benefits provided herein would subject the Company or any of its affiliates to any tax or penalty under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or Section 105(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), Executive and the Company agree to work together in good faith to restructure the foregoing benefit.
(v)Executive shall not be obligated to mitigate the amount of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder by seeking other employment, or otherwise, nor shall the amounts payable to Executive hereunder be reduced by, or setoff against, any compensation or other amounts earned by Executive from any subsequent employer, self-employment or otherwise.
As used herein, “Change in Control” means: 
(1)a sale, transfer or other conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company on a consolidated basis; or
(2)the acquisition of beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) by any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than the Company, directly or indirectly, of securities representing 50% or more of the total number of votes that may be cast for the election of directors of the Company; or
(3)the failure at any annual or special meetings of the Company’s shareholders held during the three-year period following a “solicitation in opposition” as defined in Rule 14a-6 promulgated under the Exchange Act, of a majority of the persons nominated by the Company in the proxy material mailed to shareholders by the management of the Company to win election to seats on the Board (such majority calculated based upon the total number of persons nominated by the Company failing to win election to seats on the Board divided by the total number of Board members of the Board as of the beginning of such three year period), excluding only those who die, retire voluntarily, are disabled or are otherwise disqualified in the interim between their nomination and the date of the meeting.
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(d)Survival. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the provisions of Sections 4 through 11 of this Agreement will survive the termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 3.
5.Confidential Information/Competitive Business.  
(a)Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.  Executive agrees that during the course of employment with the Company, Executive will come into contact with and have access to various forms of Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, which are the property of the Company.  This information relates to the Company, its customers, suppliers, vendors, contractors, consultants, and employees.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information and Trade Secrets” shall include, but shall not be limited to:  business plans and strategy, marketing and expansion plans, pricing information, sales information, technological information, food and beverage processes, recipes and the like, product information, specifications, inventions, research, policies, processes, creative projects, methods and intangible rights, computer software, source code, marketing techniques and arrangements, information about the Company’s active and prospective customers, suppliers, vendors, contractors, consultants, and other business relationships, or any non-public operational, business or financial information relating to the Company or any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates; and the identity of the Company’s employees, their salaries, bonuses, incentive compensation, benefits, qualifications, and abilities, all of which information Executive acknowledges and agrees is not generally known or available to the general public, but has been developed, compiled or acquired by the Company at its great effort and expense.  Confidential Information and Trade Secrets can be in any form – oral, written or machine readable, including electronic files.
(b)Secrecy of Confidential Information and Trade Secrets Essential.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company is engaged in a highly competitive business and that its competitive position depends upon its ability to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, which were developed, compiled and acquired by the Company over a considerable period of time and at its great effort and expense.  Executive further acknowledges and agrees that any disclosure, divulging, revelation or use of any of the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, other than in connection with the Company’s business or as specifically authorized by the Company, will be highly detrimental to the Company, and that serious loss of business and pecuniary damage may result therefrom.  
(c)Return of Material.  Executive agrees that, upon the termination of his employment for any reason, and immediately upon request of the Company at any time, he will promptly return (and shall not delete, destroy or modify) all property, including any originals and all copies of any documents, whether stored on computers or in hard copy, obtained from the Company, or any of its current, former or prospective customers, suppliers, vendors, employees, contractors, and consultants, whether or not Executive believes it qualifies as Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.  Such property shall include everything obtained during and as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, other than documents related to Executive’s compensation and benefits, such as pay stubs and benefit statements.  In addition, Executive shall also return any phone, facsimile, printer, scanner, computer, electronic data storage device, or other items or equipment provided by the Company to Executive to perform his employment responsibilities during his employment with the Company.  If Executive has saved or stored Confidential Information and Trade Secrets outside the Company’s password protected computer systems such as on a personal USB thumb drive, backup drive, home computer, personal phone, email account or cloud storage, Executive agrees to tender the device or location 
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to the Company for removal of the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.  Executive further agrees that he shall not access or attempt to access the Company’s computer systems after the termination of his employment with the Company.  Executive also agrees that he does not have a right of privacy to any communications sent through the Company’s electronic communications systems (including, without limitation, emails, phone calls and voicemail) and that the Company may monitor, retain, and review all such communications in accordance with applicable law.
(d)Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict Executive from lawfully: (i) initiating communications directly with, cooperating with, providing information to, causing information to be provided to, or otherwise assisting in an investigation by, any governmental authority regarding a possible violation of any law; (ii) responding to any inquiry or legal process directed to Executive from any such governmental authority; (iii) testifying, participating or otherwise assisting in any action or proceeding by any such governmental authority relating to a possible violation of law; or (iv) making any other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any applicable law.  Additionally, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (A) is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney and (2) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; (B) is made to the individual’s attorney in relation to a lawsuit for retaliation against the individual for reporting a suspected violation of law; or (C) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.  Nothing in this Agreement requires Executive to obtain prior authorization before engaging in any conduct described in this paragraph, or to notify the Company that Executive has engaged in any such conduct.
6.Restrictive Covenants. 
(a)Non-Competition.   Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company is engaged in a highly competitive business and that by virtue of Executive’s position and responsibilities with the Company and Executive’s access to the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, engaging in any business which is directly competitive with the Company will cause the Company great and irreparable harm.  Therefore, Executive covenants and agrees that at all times during his period of employment with the Company and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following his date of termination, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, be engaged in, assist, or have any active interest or involvement, whether as an employee, agent, consultant, advisor, officer, director, stockholder (excluding holding of less than 1% of the stock of a public company), partner, proprietor or any type of principal whatsoever, with any Competitive Restaurants within the Restricted Territory.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Competitive Restaurants” means any of the following restaurants:
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	1	Applebee’s	30	Lazy Dog
	2	Beef O’Brady’s	31	Longhorn Steakhouse
	3	Bertucci’s	32	Miller’s Ale House Restaurant
	4	BJ’s Restaurants	33	Morton’s
	5	Bonefish Grill	34	North Italia
	6	BRAVO! Cucina Italiana	35	O’Charleys
	7	Brio Tuscan Grille	36	Olive Garden
	8	Bubba’s 33	37	On The Border
	9	Buca di Beppo	38	Outback Steakhouse
	10	Buffalo Wild Wings	39	Panera
	11	California Pizza Kitchen	40	PF Chang’s China Bistro
	12	Carino’s Italian Grill	41	Red Robin
	13	Carraba’s Italian Grill	42	Romano’s Macaroni Grill
	14	Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen	43	Ruby Tuesday
	15	Cheesecake Factory	44	Ruth’s Chris Steak House
	16	Chipotle Mexican Grill	45	Saltgrass Steak House
	17	Chuy’s	46	Seasons 52
	18	Cracker Barrel	47	Shake Shack
	19	Dave & Busters	48	Texas Roadhouse
	20	Dickey’s Barbecue	49	TGI Fridays
	21	Firebirds Wood Fired Grill	50	The Capital Grille
	22	Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse	51	The Old Spaghetti Factory
	23	Fogo De Chao	52	Top Golf
	24	Fuddruckers	53	True Food Kitchen
	25	Hooters	54	Uno Chicago Grill
	26	Houlihans	55	Wingstop
	27	Houston’s/Hillstone	56	Yard House
	28	Il Fornaio Restaurant		

For purposes of this Agreement, the “Restricted Territory” means the United States of America.
(b)Non-Solicitation of Employees.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that solely as a result of employment with the Company, Executive has and will come into contact with and acquire Confidential Information and Trade Secrets regarding some, most, or all of the Company’s employees.  Therefore, Executive covenants and agrees that at all times during his period of employment with the Company, and during the period beginning on the date of termination of his employment (whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary, with Good Reason or without Good Reason, for Cause or without Cause, or otherwise) and ending twenty-four (24) months following his date of termination, Executive shall not, either on Executive’s own account or on behalf of any person, firm, or business entity, recruit, solicit, interfere with, or endeavor to cause any employee of the Company with whom Executive came into contact or about whom Executive obtained Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, to leave his or her employment with the Company, or to work in a capacity that is competitive with the Company, or to work in a 
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capacity that is similar to the capacity in which the employee was employed by the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, Executive shall not have any liability under this Section 6(b) resulting from the soliciting or hiring of any employee of the Company who:  (i) responds to a general solicitation to the public of general advertising or similar methods of solicitation not specifically directed at any such Person; (ii) has ceased to be employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that such employment ceased either prior to the end of the Executive’s employment or services term with the Company or, if after the end of Executive’s employment or services term with the Company, due to an involuntary termination; or (iii) was the Executive’s executive assistant or secretary as of the end of Executive’s employment or services term with the Company.  
(c)Cooperation.  Executive shall provide Executive’s reasonable cooperation in connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) which relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder, provided, that, following termination of Executive’s employment, the Company shall pay all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in providing such cooperation.  
(d)Non-Disparagement.  Executive shall not, while employed by the Company or at any time thereafter, disparage the Company (or any affiliate) in any way that materially and adversely affects the goodwill, reputation or business relationships of the Company or the affiliate with the public generally, or with any of its customers, vendors or employees.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 6(d) shall not prohibit Executive from rebutting claims or statements made by any other person.  Company shall direct its officers and Board members to not disparage Executive in any way that materially and adversely affects Executive’s reputation or business relationships.
(e)Enforcement of Covenants.
(i)Certain Acknowledgments.  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that (A) in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive will obtain confidential or proprietary information concerning the business and operations of the Company that could be used to compete unfairly with the Company, (B) the covenants and restrictions contained in this Agreement are intended to protect the legitimate interests of the Company and its goodwill, trade secrets and other confidential or proprietary information, (C) the Executive desires to be bound by such covenants and restrictions, (D) such covenants are a material inducement for the Company to enter into this Agreement, and (E) the Executive’s economic means and circumstances are such that the provisions of this Agreement, including the restrictive covenants in this Agreement, will not prevent him from providing for the Executive and the Executive’s family on a basis satisfactory to the Executive and the Executive’s family.
(ii)Blue Pencil.  It is the desire of the parties to this Agreement that the provisions of this Section 6, in particular, be interpreted and enforced to the greatest extent possible.  Without limiting the foregoing, if any restriction set forth in this Section 6 is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time or over too great a range of activities or in too broad a geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it may be enforceable.
7.Inventions. All rights to discoveries, inventions, improvements and innovations (including all data and records pertaining thereto) related to the business of the Company, whether or not patentable, copyrightable, registrable as a trademark, or reduced to writing, that 
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Executive may discover, invent or originate during the Term, either alone or with others and whether or not during working hours or by the use of the facilities of the Company (“Inventions”), shall be the exclusive property of the Company. Executive shall promptly disclose all Inventions to the Company, shall execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem reasonably necessary to protect or perfect its rights therein, and shall assist the Company, upon reasonable request and at the Company’s expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing their rights therein. Executive hereby appoints the Company as Executive’s attorney-in-fact to execute on Executive’s behalf any assignments or other documents reasonably deemed necessary by the Company to protect or perfect its rights to any Inventions.
8.Injunctive Relief. It is recognized and acknowledged by Executive that a breach of the covenants contained in Sections 5, 6 and 7 will cause irreparable damage to the Company and its goodwill, the exact amount of which will be difficult or impossible to ascertain, and that the remedies at law for any such breach will be inadequate.  Accordingly, Executive agrees that in the event of a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 5, 6 and 7, in addition to any other remedy which may be available at law or in equity, the Company will be entitled to specific performance and injunctive relief without the requirement to post bond.
9.Indemnification.  In the event that Executive’s current or former employer enforces any contractual clawback or recoupment rights against Executive under any previously granted equity award agreement, solely as a result of Executive’s having accepted employment with the Company and performing the services contemplated under this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to reimburse Executive any amounts that Executive may be required to pay to Executive’s current or former employer (or for the fair market value of any shares as of the date that Executive is required to return such shares to Executive’s current or former employer) in connection with such claim. The fair market value of any vested, but unexercised stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) that are cancelled shall equal the value of the SARs if they were exercised on the date of cancellation.  Executive will be responsible for any taxes resulting from such reimbursement.  Furthermore, the Company will indemnify and hold Executive harmless from any loss arising from any action (or threat of action) to enforce any purported noncompetition obligation by Executive’s current or former employer against Executive arising as a result of Executive’s having accepted employment with the Company and performing the services contemplated under this Agreement.  The Company shall be permitted to control the defense of any legal proceedings in connection with such matter. Subject to the foregoing, the Company’s agreement under this Section 9 to reimburse such amounts is revocable by the Company in the event that Executive has knowingly and intentionally breached any legal obligation to Executive’s current or former employer, including with respect to misuse or disclosure of any confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information, other than in connection with any purported noncompetition obligation.  The Company shall not reimburse Executive for unvested equity awards that are cancelled or for vested equity awards that are not exercised within the period allowed under the applicable plan (including any accelerated vesting periods).
10.Assignment and Successors. This Agreement is personal to Executive and shall not be assigned by Executive.  The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and permitted successors and assigns.
11.Miscellaneous Provisions.
(a)Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed, construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with its express terms, and otherwise in accordance with the 
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substantive laws of Texas without reference to the principles of conflicts of law of Texas. Any suit or proceeding arising under this Agreement shall be brought solely in a federal or state court sitting in the State of Texas, except for any suit or proceeding seeking an equitable remedy hereunder, which may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction. By Executive’s execution hereof, Executive hereby consents and irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts having general jurisdiction over the State of Texas, and agrees that any process in any suit or proceeding commenced in such courts under this Agreement may be served upon Executive personally, by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by courier service, with the same full force and effect as if personally served upon Executive in the county in which Executive is employed. Each of the parties waives any claim that any such jurisdiction is not a convenient forum for any such suit or proceeding and any defense of lack of jurisdiction with respect thereto.  EACH OF THE PARTIES AGREES THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BE HEARD WITHOUT JURY, AND THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO BRING ANY SUCH ACTION IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION AND HAVE SUCH ACTION HEARD BEFORE A JURY.
(b)Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
(c)Clawback. To the extent required by applicable law or any applicable securities exchange listing standards, or as otherwise determined by the Board (or a committee thereof), amounts paid or payable under this Agreement or any other compensation arrangement of the Company shall be subject to the provisions of any applicable clawback terms set forth in the applicable compensation plan or award documents or policies or procedures adopted by the Company, which clawback terms, policies or procedures may provide for forfeiture and/or recoupment of amounts paid or payable under this Agreement or any other compensation arrangement of the Company or its affiliates.
(d)Notices. Any notice, request, claim, demand, document and other communication hereunder to any Party shall be effective upon receipt (or refusal of receipt) and shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by facsimile or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, as follows:
(i)If to the Company, the General Counsel at its headquarters;
(ii)If to Executive, at the last address that the Company has in its personnel records for Executive.
(e)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement. Signatures delivered electronically shall be deemed effective for all purposes.
(f)Entire Agreement. The terms of this Agreement are intended by the Parties to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral. The Parties further intend that this Agreement shall constitute the complete and exclusive statement of their terms and that no extrinsic evidence whatsoever may be introduced in any judicial, administrative, or other legal proceeding to vary the terms of this Agreement.
(g)Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by Executive and a duly authorized officer of 
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the Company.  No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy, or power hereunder preclude any other or further exercise of any other right, remedy, or power provided herein or by law or in equity.
(h)Construction. This Agreement shall be deemed drafted equally by both the Parties.  Its language shall be construed as a whole and according to its fair meaning.  Any presumption or principle that the language is to be construed against any Party shall not apply.  The headings in this Agreement are only for convenience and are not intended to affect construction or interpretation.  Any references to paragraphs, subparagraphs, sections or subsections are to those parts of this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary. Also, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, (i) the plural includes the singular and the singular includes the plural; (ii) “and” and “or” are each used both conjunctively and disjunctively; (iii) “any,” “all,” “each,” or “every” means “any and all,” and “each and every”; (iv) “includes” and “including” are each “without limitation”; (v) “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other similar compounds of the word “here” refer to the entire Agreement and not to any particular paragraph, subparagraph, section or subsection; and (vi) all pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural as the identity of the entities or persons referred to may require.
(i)Legal Fees.  The Company shall reimburse Executive for up to a maximum of $20,000 in legal fees actually incurred by or on behalf of Executive in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement.  
(j)Enforcement. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws effective during the term of this Agreement, such provision shall be fully severable; this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a portion of this Agreement; and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.
(k)Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement any federal, state, local or foreign withholding or other taxes or charges which the Company is required to withhold whether in the US or any other relevant jurisdiction.  The Company shall be entitled to rely on an opinion of counsel if any questions as to the amount or requirement of withholding shall arise.  In addition, Executive shall cooperate with the Company following any termination of Executive’s employment for any reason in satisfaction of the Company’s and Executive’s relative tax obligations hereunder.
12.Section 280G.
(a)Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, if Executive is a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code), and the amounts that would otherwise be paid to Executive under this Agreement together with any other payments or benefits that Executive has a right to receive from the Company and affiliated entities required to be aggregated in accordance with Q/A-10 and Q/A-46 of Treas. Reg. § 1.280G-l (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code), the Payments shall be either (i) reduced (but not below zero) so that the aggregate present value of such Payments shall be $1.00 less than 
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three times Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code) (the “Safe Harbor Amount”) and so that no portion of such Payments shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 (the “Excise Tax”); or (ii) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax result for Executive (taking into account any applicable Excise Tax and any applicable federal, state and local income and employment taxes). 
(b)The reduction of Payments, if applicable, shall be made by reducing, first, severance amounts to be paid in cash hereunder in the order in which such payments would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time) and second, by reducing any other cash payments that would be payable to Executive outside of this Agreement which are valued in full for purposes of Code Section 280G in a similar order (last to first), and third, by reducing any equity acceleration hereunder of awards which are valued in full for purposes of Section 280G of the Code in a similar order (last to first), and finally, by reducing any other Payment in a similar order (last to first).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, all such reductions shall be made in a manner that complies with Section 409A to the extent determined appropriate by the Board.
13.Section 409A.
(i)General. The intent of the Parties is that the payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or be exempt from Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith.
(ii)Separation from Service. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any compensation or benefits payable under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A and is designated under this Agreement as payable upon Executive’s termination of employment shall be payable only upon Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company within the meaning of Section 409A (a “Separation from Service”). 
(iii) Specified Employee. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is determined by the Company in good faith at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A, to the extent any portion of the benefits to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement upon such Separation from Service constitute a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and which do not otherwise qualify under the exemptions under Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1 (including without limitation, the short-term deferral exemption and the permitted payments under Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)), such portion of Executive’s benefits shall not be provided to Executive prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of Executive’s Separation from Service with the Company or (ii) the date of Executive’s death. Upon the first business day following the expiration of the applicable Section 409A period, all payments deferred pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be paid in a lump sum to Executive (or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries), and any remaining payments due to Executive under this Agreement shall be paid as otherwise provided herein.
(iv) Expense Reimbursements, Legal Fees. To the extent that any reimbursements or payment of legal fees under this Agreement are subject to Section 409A, any such reimbursements or payment payable to Executive shall be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense or payment 
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was incurred; provided, that Executive submits Executive’s reimbursement or payment request, as the case may be, promptly following the date the expense is incurred, the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, other than medical expenses referred to in Section 105(b) of the Code, and Executive’s right to reimbursement or payment under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.  
14.Executive Acknowledgement. Executive acknowledges that Executive has read and understands this Agreement, is fully aware of its legal effect, has not acted in reliance upon any representations or promises made by the Company other than those contained in writing herein, and has entered into this Agreement freely based on Executive’s own judgment.  
[Signature Page Follows]

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The Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date set forth above. 
 
						
		Brinker International, Inc.

									
		By:	/S/ HARRIET EDELMAN
			Harriet Edelman
			Title: Director, Chair of Compensation Committee

									
		By:	/S/ KEVIN D. HOCHMAN
			Kevin D. Hochman,

1

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