Burger King has introduced a new chicken choice to their menu with Chicken Tenders. With eight different dipping sauces, children and adults alike can have four for $1, eight for $1.99 or 20 for $4.99. To promote these new chicken tenders Burger King is mailing out coupons for 272 million tenders to families around the country. The new chicken tenders has replaced the crown shaped BK Nuggets.

Fast casual restaurants are continuing to grow, with a 17 percent rise in total visits during 2010. While other restaurant categories are losing sales or visits, the combination of a medium price point, fast turnaround and higher quality service and food has made these restaurants very popular during the recession. Many fast casual chains are planning for additional locations this year due to the growth.

Carlson Restaurants, the company that owns the T.G.I. Friday’s chain brand, plans to double their number of operating franchises. They recently announced this plan at the 2011 Global Business Conference. The plan is set for completion in 2015. To support this goal, the company plans to renovate the style and menu of the chain.

The world’s largest hot dog chain, Wienerschnitzel, has announced their new “Cash in On a Corn Dog” sweepstakes. 1 in 5 customers will win some form of a prize by purchasing a corn dog and checking the wooden stick for a prize code. The top prize is $10,000 in cash, but customers can also win smaller cash prizes and free corn dogs.

The rising costs of food, especially meat, have driven many restaurants towards using locally sourced food to avoid high delivery fees. Restaurants are limited in how much they can raise their prices due to the strain on customers from the poor economy. Many are attempting to cut costs instead of using higher prices, and local food can be more affordable due to less need for transportation while gas prices are very high.

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, the operating company that manages chains like the Einstein Bros. Bagels and Manhattan Bagels, has added two new Executive Vice Presidents to their roster. Brian Unger was hired as the Executive Vice President of Operations, and Mike Ellis joined the team in the Executive Vice President of Franchises position. Both have extensive experience in the restaurant and real estate industries.

Bob Evans Farms is building their chain of restaurants known as Mimi’s Cafe, and they have named Mark Mears as the chief officer and President of the chain. Mr. Mears comes to the company from a successful position with the Cheesecake Factory. There are currently 145 Mimi’s Cafe locations across the United States.

Chuck E. Cheese’s has expanded their family fun center brand to Mexico with the development of 10 restaurants in the Northeastern region of the country. While this is the company’s initial entry into the country, they operate chain locations in seven total countries around the world. International locations grow the resiliency and overall popularity of a brand.

The BRAVO | BRIO Restaurant Group is celebrating Earth Day in their BRAVO! Cucina Italiana and BRIO Tuscan Grille locations. Through a partnership with Parducci Wine Cellars the group will aim to donate money for 5,000 trees to the American Forests re-forestation project. Parducci focuses on sustainability in their wine making process, making them the perfect partner for this fund raising event.

At its 2011 Global Business Conference last week in Dallas, Texas, Carlson Restaurants, parent of T.G.I. Friday’s, announced plans to double the number of T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants globally.

“With the strength of our Friday’s brand, our management team and our franchise partners, we are uniquely positioned to dramatically increase the footprint of our business,” announced Nick Shepherd, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants.

Shepherd unveiled the company’s strategic plan, Ambition 2015, to an audience of more than 1,400 company employees, franchisees, lenders and key suppliers.  Focusing on its ambition to become the restaurant, employer and investment of choice by 2015, the company outlined detailed plans to accelerate growth over the next five years, and to use that growth as a springboard to achieve its long-term goal of doubling the footprint of the T.G.I. Friday’s brand around the world.

“Our foundation for growth is an organization-wide focus on enhancing all elements of the guest experience,” said Shepherd.

Central to that experience is Friday’s unique promise to its guests of “In Here it’s ALWAYS Friday”. To reinforce its brand promise, Friday’s has embarked on an innovation program focused on its menu, service delivery and marketing. This focus has led T.G.I. Friday’s 2010 performance to be among the industry leaders. For the year, Friday’s outpaced the casual dining market in the United States by 1.6% as measured by Knapp Track. The company’s international performance was especially impressive during 2010 delivering a 3.2% increase in comparable sales (local currency results for restaurants open at least 12 months) while opening 30 restaurants across its international markets and being on track to open nearly 40 new restaurants in 2011.

“Our performance during 2010 underscores the strength of the Friday’s brand and the tremendous growth opportunity we have, based on the significant and unique connection we have with our guests around the world,” said Shepherd.

T.G.I. Friday’s is already the casual dining leader internationally with more than 350 restaurants in 60 countries outside the United States. 

“T.G.I. Friday’s is a powerful and iconic brand,” said Hubert Joly, president and chief executive officer of Carlson, parent of Carlson Restaurants. “It has outstanding growth opportunities in the United States and internationally, and we are keen to pursue these opportunities.”

T.G.I. Friday’s announced it is now serving the “Friday feeling” in 350 international locations. The newest Friday’s restaurant opened in January 2011 in Arequipa, Peru by Franquicias Alimentarias SA, a licensed franchisee of T.G.I. Friday’s.

The first T.G.I. Friday’s opened outside the U.S. in Birmingham, England in March 1986. Twenty-five years later, Friday’s now delights well over 40 million international guests annually in 60 countries, providing them with authentic American food, exciting drinks and an energizing Friday feeling – any day of the week. The brand also has the most American casual dining restaurants around the globe.

“Friday’s was the first American casual dining company to open its doors abroad and by reaching these two significant milestones, it’s clear we remain the industry leader,” said Ian Saunders, president and chief operating officer, T.G.I. Friday’s International. “Friday’s promises that wherever you are in the world, “In Here, It’s Always Friday.” Thanks to the strength of our brand and franchise partnerships, Friday’s always delivers on this promise.”

Friday’s Ambition 2015 strategy is to add at least 150 new international locations to its portfolio by 2015, increasing the number of Friday’s locations to nearly 1,100. The latest opening in Peru brings the company one step closer to this goal.

Friday’s also took several steps in 2010 to reach its Ambition 2015 objectives such as opening 30 new international locations and signing six additional development agreements to increase its international presence, including the most recent agreement with Americana Group (Kuwait Food Company) to add 30 new restaurants in the Middle East over the next five years.

T.G.I. Friday’s is celebrating Veterans Day all weekend long. Beginning today through November 14, 2010, retired and current military personnel with a military or veteran’s ID will receive one free entree with the purchase of another at participating restaurant locations across the country.

Additionally, as a special thank you to veteran and active military guests for their service, the store manager at participating locations will give veterans and military personnel a five dollar “Bonus Bite” at the end of their meal to redeem on their next visit to Friday’s.

“T.G.I. Friday’s wants to extend a formal ‘thank you’ to all of the men and women who have served our country,” said Trey Hall, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of T.G.I. Friday’s. “We hope this gesture will encourage current and former members of our armed forces to let loose and have some much deserved fun – which is exactly what Friday’s is all about.”

The buy-one-get-one offer includes any regular menu item, including pasta, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, steak, ribs, seafood and the Jack Daniel’s Grill.

For more news and updates from T.G.I. Friday’s, consumers can follow the brand on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TGIFridays) or Twitter @TGIFriday’s.

American restaurant icon T.G.I. Friday’s has paid close attention to the evolving tastes of its consumers. Friday’s has answered the call with an updated restaurant and bar menu with Friday’s favorites and more than 20 fresh and exciting brand new dishes and drinks that reflect Friday’s innovation and energetic vibe. Friday’s is a gathering place to re-energize from the stresses of the day, and the new menu encourages diners to taste new flavors, share with friends and family and simply, to have fun. The new menu is available now at Denver-area Friday’s restaurants.

Friday’s re-energized menu features fresh, bold flavors for today’s modern palates. Denver-area diners will find a new menu that looks and feels familiar but has a modern twist. They’ll find new dishes like Ahi Tuna with Avocado Crisps, Tuscan Summer Spinach Dip, Roccoli Broccoli Salad, Diamond Grilled Norwegian Salmon, and Broiled Tilapia with Tomato Cucumber Vinaigrette. New inventive burgers, fresh salads and crisp pizzas round out new menu items. Of course, Friday’s has kept customer favorites like the Jack Daniels Grill, Crispy Green Bean Fries, and its delectable desserts.

Inventive new dishes cooked to order with fresh ingredients and a whole new section of sharable plates are the centerpiece of the new menu. Friday’s is a place where people come to unwind and re-energize and part of that is being with friends and family. The new menu is elevating that Friday’s vibe to a whole new level.

“We’ve added even more freshly prepared, made-to-order dishes – the kind of food on which Friday’s was built. We’re known for creating new, creative flavor combinations on both our food and bar menus. Our new menu is no exception. It embraces freshness and flavor, giving our diners more reasons to come in and see what’s new at Friday’s,” said Ricky Richardson, Friday’s chief concept officer.

A Friday’s visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the bar, the place from where Friday’s energetic vibe radiates. Friday’s bar and drink menu are also getting an upgrade, featuring local brews, new wine selections and bold new cocktail concoctions with fresh berry purees.  

Denver has six T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants: Northfield at Stapleton, Aurora Mall, South Aurora on Parker Rd., Lone Tree at Park Meadows Mall, Thornton off of 120th, and Longmont. In addition to the menu changes, three restaurants will undergo cosmetic changes, spreading the fun Friday’s vibe from the bar into the dining area. As part of the menu unveiling, T.G.I. Friday’s has planned tasting parties, bar events and promotions throughout the metro area.

T.G.I. Friday’s is an American icon, having started in 1965 in New York City. It has grown into a place where people venture for great food, innovative cocktails and good times with friends and family. It’s a place where people go to forget about their day and re-energize. It’s a place to escape the everyday, and its new menu is poised to bring diners new unexpected flavors and tastes. In a phrase, “In here, it’s always Friday.”

For more information about the changes at Denver-area Friday’s, visit www.ItsAlwaysFriday.com.

T.G.I. Friday’s, a global restaurant company, today introduced its newest retail product for entertaining: flavored cheddar cheese dips. Available in the self-serve deli area of supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide, the new refrigerated dips will be available in three zesty flavors: Sharp Cheddar, Buffalo Cheddar and Southwest Cheddar.

“We put tremendous energy into developing exciting and buzz-worthy retail products that keep our guests excited about the T.G.I. Friday’s brand,” said Shannon Gewinner, vice president of brand marketing for T.G.I. Friday’s USA. “Dips are such popular options for casual snacking, social parties and sporting events. We anticipate that this product will be a huge hit with consumers who want to bring the Friday’s party home.”  All are available in supermarkets and grocery stores across the country.

The new refrigerated cheese dips are available in 12 oz. containers and join the popular and successful T.G.I. Friday’s retail line that includes frozen appetizers and skillet meals, beverage blenders and mixers.

T.G.I. Friday’s offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It’s Friday’s™ attitude. Friday’s authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday’s guest recognition program, receive free promotions and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday’s has a rich heritage, which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday’s is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 7000 of whom compete annually for the title of the “World’s Greatest T.G.I. Friday’s Bartender.”

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of T.G.I. Friday’s Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of April 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.

T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants today announced it will offer half-price boneless Buffalo Wings in the bar at its college basketball watching parties at participating restaurants in the U.S. during televised games of the tournament in March and April.

“It’s March, and that means madness Friday’s style,” said John Neitzel, president and chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday’s USA. “Friday’s is always your party headquarters and with basketball on our big screens, great drinks and half-price boneless wings during games at the bar, it just doesn’t make sense for our guests to watch the games anywhere else.”

Friday’s® boneless Buffalo Wings are tossed in a choice of six flavors, ranging from mild to wild: Jack™ Championship BBQ, Garlic Parmesan, Classic Buffalo, Roasted Green Chile, Spicy Thai or Inferno. The offer is valid at participating restaurants during televised college basketball games on the following dates: March 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 and April 3 and 5.

You can follow T.G.I. Friday’s news on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TGIFridays), Twitter @TGIFriday’sNews and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/TGIFridaysNews).

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday’s offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It’s Friday’s™ attitude. Friday’s authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday’s guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday’s has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday’s is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the “World’s Greatest T.G.I. Friday’s Bartender.”

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 and travel industries. As of March 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.

 T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants today announced it is adding an upscale selection of premium indulgences, including premium Black Angus Steaks, Norwegian Salmon and Shell-On Tiger Shrimp, to its menu. The seven new items are part of more than 20 overall menu enhancements. Friday’s also added seven beverages to its industry-leading drink menu.

“T.G.I. Friday’s is excited to announce an abundance of new food and beverages and exciting upgrades to our menu including Black Angus steak entrées,” said Ricky Richardson, global chief concept officer for T.G.I. Friday’s. “Just in time for Valentine’s Day and beyond, Friday’s guests can now bring someone special and treat someone special with the best quality steaks and seafood in casual dining and great new drinks at an incredible every day value.”

• T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Card Collection

Aged for a minimum of 21 days, Friday’s new Black Angus steaks are generous cuts with just the right balance of lean, choice beef and succulent marbling, perfectly seasoned and fire-grilled to order for a mouth-watering steak experience. The seven new menu additions include the following:

• Jack Daniel’s® Sirloin & Shrimp – a generous 10-oz. Black Angus strip-style sirloin and crispy Cajun-spiced shrimp, served with your choice of two sides.
• 10 oz. Sirloin & Grilled Shrimp Scampi – a Black Angus strip-style Sirloin paired with skewered jumbo butterflied shrimp served char-broiled and shell-on in a flavorful scampi sauce and topped with maison butter and served with your choice of two sides.
• Petite Sirloin & Half-Rack of Ribs – a 6 oz. Black Angus filet-style cut sirloin steak matched with a half rack of baby back ribs, slow-cooked in-house until they are “fall-off-the-bone” tender and generously basted with our smoky Jack™ Championship BBQ sauce, topped with maison butter and paired with a choice of two sides.
• 10 oz. Sirloin – a lean Black Angus strip-style sirloin topped with maison butter and paired with a choice of two sides.
• Petite Sirloin & Salmon – a 6 oz. Black Angus filet-style cut sirloin steak coupled with a fresh 7 oz. fillet of fire-grilled, perfectly seasoned Norwegian salmon, topped with maison butter and paired with a choice of two sides.
• Flat Iron – a tender, flavorful 8 oz. Black Angus steak topped with maison butter and paired with a choice of two sides.
• Grilled Shrimp Scampi & Salmon – skewered jumbo butterflied shrimp char-broiled shell-on and topped with flavorful scampi sauce along with a perfectly seasoned 7 oz. fire-grilled Norwegian salmon fillet, served with choice of two sides.

Also, continuing its legacy of beverage innovation, Friday’s announced a new platform of teas and other exciting beverages to its drink menu:

• SoCo Peach Tea – Southern Comfort, sweet peach purée and sweet & sour topped off with a splash of Coke.
• Ruby Mo-Tea-To – Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka, ruby red grapefruit nectar and lemonade shaken with fresh mint.
• Sun-Spiced Tea – Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka mixed with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, mango purée and topped off with lemonade.
• Bubble up Tea – Three Olives Bubble Vodka, Bombay Gin and sweet & sour mixed with Coke and topped with a fresh squeeze of lime.
• Mango Peach Lemonade Slush – A cool blend of mango, peach and Minute Maid® Lemonade.
• Ruby Red Bull® Slush – An energizing new combination of Ruby Red grapefruit and Red Bull®.

Finally, for chocolate lovers and dessert connoisseurs, Friday’s introduced a new specialty drink and dessert:

• Chocolate Decadence Sipper – Godiva Liqueur, White Crème De Cacao and chocolate syrup served with a touch of Baileys and fresh sliced strawberries for the ultimate decadent cocktail.
• Brownie ‘n’ Baileys® – Friday’s Brownie Obsession, a warm brownie covered in Ghirardelli® chocolate-fudge sauce, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and pecans, topped with Baileys®.

You can follow T.G.I. Friday’s news on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TGIFridays), Twitter @TGIFriday’sNews and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/TGIFridaysNews).

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday’s offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It’s Friday’s™ attitude. Friday’s authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday’s guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday’s has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday’s is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the “World’s Greatest T.G.I. Friday’s Bartender.”

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 and travel industries. As of February 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.

After an extensive search process, Nick Shepherd, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, named Ian Saunders as president and chief operating officer for T.G.I. Friday’s International and a member of the Carlson Restaurants Worldwide executive team.  

In his new role, Saunders will be responsible for all aspects of our International business, leading the International management team, and continuing to refine and execute our aggressive growth strategy.  He comes to Friday’s® with extensive global food service experience and a track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business results in the global marketplace.  

Prior to joining Friday’s, Ian was with Papa John’s International, Inc. where he most recently served as Regional Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.  Prior to Papa John’s, Ian spent six years in General Management roles within the UK-based Geest Ltd., a leading manufacturer and distributor of produce and fresh prepared foods to the food service and retail sector, and fifteen years in various leadership roles at Yum! Brands, Inc. Ian’s formative years were spent working in the casual dining sector with London-based Grand Metropolitan PLC and Whitbread PLC.

“Adding Ian to our international business and our Executive Team is a huge win for us,” said Shepherd.  ”Ian’s extensive global knowledge and innovative thinking combined with his successful track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business growth in the global marketplace, make him the ideal candidate for this key role in our business.”

Saunders, who received his Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Catering Management from the University of Surrey, and his Master of Business Administration from United Kingdom’s Cranfield University, will reside in the United Kingdom.  Saunders first day in his new position will be March 1.  

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday’s offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It’s Friday’s™ attitude. Friday’s authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday’s guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday’s has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday’s is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the “World’s Greatest T.G.I. Friday’s Bartender.”  

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 and travel industries. As of February 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.

T.G.I. Friday’s announced it will offer $5 off party platters at participating restaurants in the U.S. for the February 7, 2010 professional football championship between New Orleans and Indianapolis. In addition, Friday’s will extend its offer of half-price appetizers in the bar after 4 p.m. for a limited time, including the Feb. 7 big game, which will be televised at participating T.G.I. Friday’s bars coast-to-coast.

“Traditionally, the ‘Big Game’ is celebrated at home with friends and what better way to celebrate than by bringing Friday’s specially-priced party platters with you,” said John Neitzel, president and chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday’s USA. “Of course, we invite you to watch the game at Friday’s, where our guests can enjoy half-price appetizers for a limited time including the big game day.”

The $5 off party platters must be ordered 24 hours in advance. Guests can choose from the following T.G.I. Friday’s Party Platters: Baby Back Ribs, Jack Daniel’s(R) Ribs, California Club Sandwiches, Tuscan Spinach Dip, Fresh Garden Salad, Caesar Salad, Jack Daniel’s(R) Wings, Fresh Fruit, Fajitas, Sesame Jack Chicken Strips, Pecan-Crusted Chicken Salad, Chicken Fingers, Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.

You can follow T.G.I. Friday’s news on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TGIFridays), Twitter @TGIFriday’sNews and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/TGIFridaysNews).

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday’s offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It’s Friday’s(TM) attitude. Friday’s authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes(R), Friday’s guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday’s has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday’s is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the “World’s Greatest T.G.I. Friday’s Bartender.”

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 and travel industries. As of January 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.