In recognition of the enormous success of the T.G.I. Friday’s UK Commercial Department over the past five years, Commercial Director Darrell Wade has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer.
The appointment will support the next wave of business growth by aligning the Operations team with the Brand and Concept team in order to deliver the ambitious growth plan set out for Friday’s over the coming years.
Further key appointments
This marks one of several key changes in the Friday’s board structure which also sees Cain Savizzi take on the role of Senior Director of Operations. Cain will be supported by Lee Zurybida, who is promoted to Operations Service Manager for the iconic brand.
In addition, Terry McDowell, who has recently overseen many successful product launches for Friday’s, has taken on the role of Head Chef and Concept Development Manager.
An unstoppable team
Speaking about the announcement, T.G.I. Friday’s UK Managing Director Karen Forrester commented: “Friday’s is leading the industry with several new restaurants in the pipeline, brilliant business performance and several awards, including our recent third place finish in Sunday Times Best Places to Work.
“These feats don’t happen by accident – they come about through dedication, hard work and passion from individuals over a number of years. These individuals come together to form an unstoppable team. Darrell, Cain, Terry and Lee have all been key parts of the journey we have been on and it is wonderful to be able to recognise this with their new appointments.”
About T.G.I. Friday’s
T.G.I. Friday’s offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank Goodness It’s Friday’s™ attitude. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday’s has a rich food and beverage heritage, which includes being credited with popularising Happy Hour, the Long Island Iced Tea, and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday’s is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 7,000 of who compete annually for the title of T.G.I. Friday’s World Bartender Champion.
Carlson Restaurants, the parent company of TGI Friday’s Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. Carlson Restaurants owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries.
There are now 56 Friday’s stores in the UK in a range of locations from major shopping centres and high streets to retail parks and residential areas.
Friday’s has been recognised by the industry with several award wins including:
- Friday’s placed third in Sunday Times Best Companies to Work for 2013
- Eat Out Awards 2013 – Winner (Team of the Year)
- Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2013 – Awarded 3 Stars (Extraordinary)
- Retailers’ Retailer of the Year Awards 2012 – Winner (Evolutionary Brand of the Year)
- Retailers’ Retailer of the Year Awards 2012 – Winner (Leadership – Karen Forrester)
- RLI International Restaurateur 2012 – Winner
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