Carlson Names Ricky Richardson T.G.I. Friday's COO

Carlson Restaurants has promoted Ricky Richardson to chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday's, the company said Monday.

Richardson most recently was executive vice president and chief concept officer for T.G.I. Friday's. Prior to that post, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer for T.G.I. Friday's International.

Nick Shepherd, Carlson Restaurants' president and chief operating officer, said the promotion recognized Richardson's "leadership of the evolution of our food, beverages, restaurant design and all of the guest 'touch points' within our restaurants."

In his new role, Richardson will lead a team that provides marketing, brand development, information technology, supply chain and strategic operations support to the global organization.

T.G.I. Friday's has more than 900 restaurants in the United States and 60 international markets.

Contact Ron Ruggless at ronald.ruggless@penton.com.
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