Austin's Radisson Hotel Celebrates T.G.I. Friday's Award — One of America's Great Brands

Business Wire, Nov 16, 2006

American Brand Council Features T.G.I. Friday's in its Latest Edition

AUSTIN, Texas -- T.G.I. Friday's has been named one of America's strongest brands by the American Brands Council and will be featured in the 2006 Edition of America's Greatest Brands, Volume V. The book recognizes the strongest and most trusted business brand icons in the United States.

T.G.I. Friday's is listed among more than 50 other internationally recognizable businesses and consumer brands, in the book which "celebrates the achievements, the exceptional effort and outstanding work involved in maintaining a well-earned, valued asset - a great brand."

The 70's concept started out as a bar in Manhattan. From there, T.G.I. Friday's drove the dawn of the singles age by serving great food and great drinks in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Today, T.G.I. Friday's offers 833 restaurants in 56 countries, and the restaurant experience is continuing to successfully change with the marketplace.

T.G.I. Friday's downtown Austin home is in the Radisson Hotel and Suites-Town Lake, centrally located at Congress and Cesar Chavez, and walking distance to downtown businesses, the Convention Center, and Austin's Warehouse and 6th Street Entertainment Districts. The downtown Radisson Hotel, which also hosts a full-service Starbucks, especially values Friday's hard-work and exceptional brand. "We're pleased that the American Brands Council has recognized the strength of the T.G.I. Friday's brand," says Austin Radisson General Manager Tom Schurr. "Guests of all ages appreciate the food, the mood and the trusted name. It's an American experience that is enjoyed by our hotel guests, tourists, local businesses and Austinites alike."

Cheryl Berman, a brand guardian for the American Brands Council, explains that "great brands know who they are and behave as such, consistently delivering their promise, yet constantly evolving to stay relevant and meaningfulC* They thrive by embedding themselves in our culture and becoming an integral part of consumers' lives."

T.G.I. Friday's Town Lake has long been known as the place to be for UT Football, the place to go for some after-work relief, and the place to meet up for good eats anytime. "Our restaurant is an integral part of our guest experience and the Austin scene, but it takes work to stay on top. Austin is evolving and so are we," says Schurr, noting a recently completed restaurant remodel which enhanced brand standards with multiple flat screen and plasma TVs, an expanded raised bar area with cozy leather sofas and views of Town Lake and Austin's famous bats.

T.G.I. Friday's will be featured in a two-page spread highlighting the history, achievement, and impact of their brand. Other brand winners included Coca-Cola, 7-11, Crest, Disneyland, CNN, Federal Express, and McDonald's.

The 2006 Edition of America's Greatest Brands, Volume V will also feature the expert insights and opinions of the American Brands Council Co some of the most respected marketing and communications professionals in America.

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson Companies, a world leader in the hospitality, travel and marketing industries.

The Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin-Town Lake offers upscale accommodations in a unique downtown/lakeside setting. The 413 room hotel features 99 two-room suites and 314 guest rooms, many with views of Town Lake. Whether you need to hold a small executive meeting or a function for 600 people, the Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin has flexible meeting space for all your event needs. For reservations visit http://www.radisson.com/austintx/ or call toll free 800-333-3333.