The Big Mouth Blog Goes International - Welcome Katie Brower!

The Big Mouth Blog would like to welcome a new member to our gang - Katie Brower. She's not moving into The Quad just yet, but Katie is taking on a cool, new role with Chili's and we thought people would love to read about it.

Katie is one of our best Managers in the field and has been given the opportunity to fulfill a lifetime goal of working internationally.

She recently left for Singapore to support a new restaurant opening by hiring the new team members, training and developing the team, and by working in as an operations manager for after opening day. We thought it would be a great way to showcase what it is like for a ChiliHead to move to a new country and start building a foundation for our brand. 

But first, we wanted to share Katie's story of how she came to Chili's.  Like many ChiliHeads, it's a story about her passion for people and the Chili's Culture. We hope her story will be an inspiration for many and give you an idea what it’s like to pursue a career with Chili's.

My Chili’s Story  By Katie Brower:

When I was seventeen years old, I moved to Raleigh North Carolina to attend Peace College. I had an academic scholarship but I needed an after school job to pay my living expenses. Unfortunately, my job hunt was not easy. I was new to the area and the only experience I had was hosting for Texas Steak House. On June 17, 2003, I decided to apply at a nearby hotel. My plan was to work nights at the front desk and attend school during the day. I walked into the lobby and excitedly asked the receptionist for an application. With a bright smile she enthusiastically asked, “Are you here for Chili’s?” I paused for a second. I was a little confused by her response, but I shrugged my shoulders, nodded my head, and said, “Yes, yes I am!” And that is how my Chili’s story began.       

I walked around the corner and followed the signs to the Chili’s hiring room for a new opening in Brier Creek. I was confident that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I filled out an application and proceeded to the interview process. I sat down with the management team and immediately I was taken by their contagious energy. Towards the end of our session they asked what position I would be interested in. I wanted to be a server! At the tender age of seventeen and with no server experience under my belt, my chances were slim. They did their best to convince me to join the team as a host, but in my heart I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I left that day with a new job…as a server.      

A few days later I received a phone call asking me if I would be interested in helping the team move into the new building.  I absolutely loved my new job! It felt like home to me and the Chili’s culture became my own. After opening day I was trained to be a trainer and I did my very best to share the same enthusiasm that was shown to me with every new team member I trained.       

When I was a sophomore in college I left the country for six months to study and pursue my passion for traveling and studied globalization and cultural studies in Africa, Asia, and South America.  My experiences opened my eyes to the beauty and greatness of our globe, and my life changed because of it.  I graduated at 21 and the next step in my life only seemed natural; I wanted to be a Chili’s Manager. This career path seemed perfect because Chili’s had already opened so many doors for me and enabled me to follow my dreams.  I expressed my interest and after much persistence I had my first interview.       

I walked into my interview with peace in my heart because I was right where I belonged. The entire interview process was comfortable and enjoyable.  When the interview ended, my Area Director very candidly told me that I was a great risk for him. Because I had intentions of pursuing my MBA, he was apprehensive about my longevity with the company. He was also concerned with my age (the youngest manager he had ever hired) and my lack of experience. My response to him was equally as candid. I told him the same thing I had told the Brier Creek management team years ago. I would learn quickly, work hard, and most importantly I had the heart for this company.  I truly believed in the brand, and the culture was ingrained in me. I promised to make him proud. I left that day with a new job… as a manager.       

Managing Chili’s has been an incredible experience and I continue to fall in love with our Brand and what our company stands for… it’s people! Chili’s also allows me the opportunity to further my education and as a result I am able to pursue my MBA in International Business. I am so blessed to work with an amazing family at Western Boulevard. Together we have come such a long way and I look forward to going to work every day. Immense changes have been made within our restaurant and our community and I feel honored to be a part of this team!       

In April of last year I had the privilege of attending a Women’s leadership conference in Raleigh, NC. I was truly honored to be there that day in the presence of such extraordinary women. It was at this conference that I was asked by a BrinkerHead if I would be interested in working globally for Chili’s. I paused: it was just like at the hotel when I was seventeen, when the first door opened for me. Although a little taken back I excitedly responded, “Yes! Yes I would.”       

I began sharing my dreams of being a part of the global team with everyone I encountered. I reached out to anyone I could and researched opportunities. This situation was no different than the rest, it felt right and it was where I belonged. I got what I asked for…        I received a phone call from Brinker asking if I would be interested in meeting the GBD (Global Business Development) team. After a few months and multiple phone calls, I found myself on a plane heading for Dallas. I was clueless as to why, but more than grateful for the opportunity! I was given the chance to discover firsthand the opportunities that are available to all Brinker team members. During my stay I had the opportunity to circuit through the global team, attend a culinary tasting, participate in a skills improvement workshop, listen to a conference call with investors, and meet countless leaders within our organization.        

I came to Dallas with no expectations, and to be honest, no idea why I was really even there. I left Dallas with knowledge and empowerment. I discovered a new world, and as a result I am now able to narrow my career goals and take the necessary steps towards following my dreams. This particular time, the pattern of my Chili’s story was slightly modified. I did not leave Dallas with a job; however, I did leave with something equally as important…aspiration! Because Brinker took a risk and brought me to home office, I was able to fine tune my goals and discover where I wanted my career to take me. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity and I feel so blessed to work for an organization that recognizes, and encourages passion for our brands. I am more than excited to continue to follow my dreams within Brinker and discover the new additions to my story!