TGI Fridays brought the World Bartender Championship back after nearly 10 years; Filipino bartender Roniel Lopez impressed judges to triumph in front of brand leaders
DALLAS, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TGI Fridays, where the world goes to celebrate, brought together eight of the brand’s best bartenders from across the world to compete in the 29th World Bartender Championship (WBC), a flagship event at its Global Business Conference in Orlando. During a week focused on global brand momentum, the friendly competition between TGI Fridays’ most skilled bartenders really brought the spirit of the brand to life.
Bartenders representing Japan, Greece, the UK, USA, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, and the Philippines showcased their bottle-spinning skills, with the crown going to Roniel Lopez from TGI Fridays, Manila. The contestants were judged by an expert panel on a combination of technical precision, brand knowledge, speed, and showmanship, while displaying the freestyle flair, personality, and lively personality that is synonymous with TGI Fridays.
“It was a privilege to enjoy the skills and technical craft shown by the finalists, and I couldn’t be prouder of the eight experts who competed. Congratulations to Roniel on an impressive performance, and we hope visitors to our Manila restaurant enjoy seeing him in action,” said Ray Blanchette, CEO, TGI Fridays. “The Global Business Conference was the perfect setting to bring the WBC back and give attendees an opportunity to show their support for colleagues and enjoy such an integral part of Fridays history.”
TGI Fridays Global Business Conference saw brand leaders, franchisees and team members from more than 40 countries come together to discuss the global momentum of Fridays “1-2-3 Strategic Vision,” a growth plan to surpass 1,000 units and $2 billion in annual revenue by 2030. Under the theme “Fridays United,” the conference celebrated the company’s ongoing domestic and international resurgence. Fridays leaders took part in educational sessions and an interactive peer-driven Q&A panel on how regions tailor local strategies while staying true to global brand standards. They also heard from the teams behind several notable 2026 milestones, including the company’s first U.S. development agreement in more than a decade and entry into new territories that includes Pakistan, the Balkans, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Working in the hospitality industry opens a world of opportunities, and TGI Fridays believes it is the responsibility of every team member to demonstrate their commitment to improving how we show hospitality to our guests,” said Phil Broad, Global President, TGI Fridays International. “Fridays United is an ethos that reflects the culture and mindset we are embracing globally across the brand, centered on collaboration, continuous improvement, and a commitment to making TGI Fridays our guests’ favorite choice. That spirit was on full display at our Global Business Conference that saw our leaders come together to share ideas, learn, and celebrate the future of the brand.”
To learn more about TGI Fridays® franchise opportunities, please visit www. tgifridays.com/franchise/.
About TGI Fridays®
Founded in 1965 as the world’s first casual bar and grill, TGI Fridays® is where the world goes to celebrate. Operating nearly 400 restaurants in almost 40 countries, Fridays® brings people together through its craveable American classics, legendary cocktails and that unmistakable Fridays® feeling – all brought to life by its rockstar teams. Whether it’s full-service dining or bold-format convenience, TGI Fridays® franchise-first approach, operational excellence, and brand power are built to scale. Franchisees are supported by global hubs in Dallas, Dubai and London, complemented by regional resources in select markets. Visit www.tgifridays.com for more information, join Fridays Rewards®, and follow TGI Fridays® on social media: Instagram @tgifridays, Tik Tok @tgifridays, Facebook TGI Fridays, and LinkedIn TGI Fridays.
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