CARROLLTON Texas Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., parent company of T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix restaurants, today said it was planning to accelerate franchise development of its Friday's concept.
As part of the plan, Carlson promoted Thomas McCord to senior director of new franchise development. He will recruit new Friday's franchisees as well as support additional units for existing franchisees.
McCord joined Carlson Restaurants Worldwide in 2005 and most recently was director of franchise development. Before joining Carlson, McCord worked in development at Yum! Brands.
Chris Devlin, senior vice president of development for Carlson, said, "Our plan is to accelerate our domestic growth to over 60 restaurants per year by 2010, including both company and franchise expansion. With this appointment and the addition of new prototypes and operating models, the T.G.I. Friday's system will create growth opportunities for current and new team members while broadening market presence."
The company said target Friday's markets include: Alabama (Montgomery), Georgia (Savannah, St. Simons Island and Valdosta), Hawaii (Kauai and Maui), Louisiana (multiple markets), Mississippi (Jackson and Meridian), Montana (Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls and Missoula), New Mexico (multiple markets), Oregon (Bend, Eugene, Roseburg and Medford), Texas (El Paso, McAllen, Harlingen, Laredo) and Wyoming (multiple).
Carlson owns and franchises 878 Friday's units and 122 Pick Up Stix.