DALLAS - A Manteca businessman who started out as a cook and worked his way up to general manager has been recognized by Brinker International Inc., the parent company of Chili's Grill & Bar as its general manager of the year.

Citing Charles  Legan’s “commitment to carry out our brand ideals and behaviors are evident in their daily interactions with others,” Brinker International gave Legan its Norman Brinker Cup – a crystal trophy named in honor of the late restaurant-industry icon and company namesake, Norman Brinker – to display in the restaurant. He also received a one-year lease on a new car and $25,000. Workers at Legan’s Manteca restaurant will also a cash bonus and a party.

Legan is the managing partner of Chili’s in Manteca. He began his 20-year career as a cook and worked his way through other support jobs before reaching his post at general manager. In addition to his GM of the Year recognition, Legan was recently promoted to area director, responsible for managing operations at multiple San Jose-area Chili’s. When he’s not busy running his restaurants, Brinker International said, Legan gives back to his community through the following organizations: Relay for Life, Boys and Girls Club of Manteca, Toys for Tots and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Now in its seventh year, the Brinker General Manager of the Year award – a nationwide, cross-brand recognition as part of the company’s 5-Star Challenge program – is designed to reward top operators for achieving success in criteria such as guest and team member engagement scores, sales and profitability and community involvement. Results are tracked and communicated each quarter, and at the end of each fiscal year, managers who are in the top five percent from Chili’s, are named as members of the 5-Star Chairman’s Club, receive cash, vacations and become eligible for the General Manager of the Year award.

Brinker International Inc. is one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than 1 million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 33 countries and two territories. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Brinker also holds a minority stake in Romano’s Macaroni Grill.