T.G.I. Friday's® Receives Hospitality Technology's Breakthrough Award

October 15, 2009

Give Me More Stripes(R) Recognized for 'Excellence in Customer Engagement'

Carrollton, TX /PRNewswire/ -- T.G.I. Friday's recently received Hospitality Technology's "Excellence in Customer Engagement" Breakthrough Award for its proprietary guest recognition program Give Me More Stripes at the publication's Restaurant Executive Summit 2009 in Orlando, Florida, September 16 -18. "We are honored to receive the prestigious 'Excellence in Customer Engagement' Breakthrough Award," said Andrew Jordan, senior vice president of marketing for T.G.I. Friday's. "Give Me More Stripes has allowed T.G.I. Friday's to reward our guests in ways that are most meaningful to them. That it is being recognized by Hospitality Technology for its overall excellence in providing guest satisfaction is very gratifying."

The annual Breakthrough Awards honor restaurant companies for their outstanding achievement in delivering technological, operational and overall excellence to guests. The Excellence in Customer Engagement category applies to companies that have demonstrated excellence in customer engagement, resulting in an increase in guest satisfaction, guest loyalty and/or brand reputation.

Give Me More Stripes, which uses MICROS iCare technology, rewards program members with free stuff, year-round special treatment and perks at approximately 600 participating restaurants in the U.S. It is the only nationwide in-restaurant guest recognition program of its kind.

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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®, 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, travel and marketing industries. As of October 2009, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit www.fridays.com.

SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's USA