T.G.I. Friday's(R) Brand Re-Opens the Original International Casual Dining Restaurant

By: TGI Fridays | 2 Shares 119 Reads

Top International Casual Dining Brand Re-launches in Birmingham England

CARROLLTON, Texas // PRNewswire // -- T.G.I. Friday's brand, the top U.S. casual dining brand in the international marketplace with more than 320 restaurants in 59 countries outside of the U.S., announced the recent re-opening of its original international restaurant in Birmingham, England, a year after the restaurant was gutted by a fire and 23 years after the Friday's® brand opened the industry's first international casual dining restaurant on the same site.

"Bringing back that 'Thank God It's Friday' feeling to the place where we first introduced casual dining abroad in 1986 is an emotional experience for T.G.I. Friday's," said Ricky Richardson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday's International. "We've given the world a reason to party every day for more than 44 years and this particular restaurant has special relevance for our brand. This is the ultimate destination for Birmingham's party makers and for visitors seeking that unmistakable T.G.I. Friday's 'feel great' experience."

The newly refurbished restaurant opened with elevated T.G.I. Friday's fanfare on July 4 and offers a modern twist on the original look and feel of the Friday's unique dining experience. The restaurant features an open kitchen, exterior patio, a cocktail lounge and a newly expanded menu. Birmingham is the second new TGI Friday's opened in the UK in the last year following the opening of the Trafford Center location in Manchester.

"We recreated the Birmingham T.G.I. Friday's restaurant to be the premiere international casual dining restaurant, true to our roots with legendary service, great food and 'Wow' cocktails yet with updated features, design and layout to make the experience even more different and extra special," said Karen Forrester, managing director of TGI Friday's UK. "Whatever the occasion, from celebrating a special event to dining with family and friends, our guests will find Friday's authenticity, Friday's flair and an engaging team that will put a smile on your face every day because in here, it's always Friday's."

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality, travel and marketing industries. As of July 2009, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses approximately 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries.

SOURCE: TGI Friday's Inc.

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