Kevin Hochman, CEO and president of Brinker International, was awarded the 2025 Gold Plate Award from IFMA The Food Away from Home Association. Hochman was nominated in the Chain Full Service category and selected from the eight honorees who took home Silver Plate awards in 2025.

Hochman became CEO and president of Brinker International in 2022. Brinker is the parent company of casual dining chains Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Under Hochman’s leadership, the company’s market capitalization has increased to over $7 billion, per an IFMA release.

In accepting the award, Hochman He said that, reflecting on the great success of Chili’s led him to three important realizations, “One: Dining out is not dead...eating out is as relevant as ever for consumers. Two: If you can do the fundamentals well...you can make your operation a success. And Three: Listen to the front lines. Those closest to the customer can help you make better decisions.”