Dallas — TGI Fridays has appointed Phil Broad as president of TGI Fridays International Franchising. Based in Dubai, Broad will oversee the brand’s international operations and franchise partnerships, with a focus on accelerating global growth and delivering exceptional guest experiences worldwide.
Broad served as managing director of TGI Fridays UK from 1997 to 2000. In addition to his deep understanding of the brand, he has over 30 years of global leadership experience in the food and beverage, hospitality and retail sectors.
“Phil’s return to the Fridays family comes at a pivotal time for our global brand,” says Ray Blanchette, CEO of TGI Fridays. “His proven ability to lead brand expansion, strengthen franchisee relationships and elevate the guest experience makes him the right person to shape the next chapter of our international business.”
TGI Fridays is currently in a transformational growth phase with nearly 300 international locations and a robust development pipeline. Broad will report directly to Blanchette.
Before rejoining Fridays, Broad served as senior vice president of food & beverage at Alghanim Industries, where he led a portfolio of more than 270 restaurants across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). During his tenure, he introduced Slim Chickens to the Middle East, redefined the Costa Coffee brand in Saudi Arabia through a partnership with the Saudi Coffee Company and oversaw the rapid expansion of Wendy’s in the region.
Earlier in his career, Broad held senior roles at IHG, Jumeirah Restaurants and Starbucks UK & Ireland, where he led operations for hundreds of locations and launched innovative programs, including the Starbucks Card and the brand’s first UK drive-thru. While leading TGI Fridays UK, he was named International Operator of the Year.
As the world’s first casual bar and grill, launched 60 years ago, TGI Fridays is the birthplace of flair, freedom and celebration. Fridays currently has 391 restaurants in 41 countries. For more information, visit www.tgifridays.com.
SOURCE: TGI Fridays