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A new day at Friday’sA new day at Friday’s

Chain shakes up operations with menu revamps, international growth

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

October 24, 2011

6 Min Read
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By Ron Ruggless


When T.G.I. Friday’s opened its doors in 1965, it was the first concept to bring singles together in what founder Alan Stillman called a “public cocktail party.” Then, more than 25 years ago, it was one of the first chains to step across the Atlantic Ocean into the international arena.


Today, as the 900-unit chain approaches its 50th birthday in 2015, Friday’s is working to recapture some of that early momentum by shrugging off the malaise of middle age and differentiating itself from the numerous bar-and-grill competitors its early success spawned.


In the past year, the Carrollton, Texas-based chain has begun a major facelift of its menu, decor and service style; signed three new franchise groups with the help of a new d...

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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