Restaurant chain TGI Friday’s has appointed Brandon Coleman III as CEO, choosing an internal candidate to lead a plan to transform the restaurant brand.

TriArtisan Capital Advisors, lead investor of the company, evaluated both internal and external candidates for the role before settling on Coleman, who joined the company last year.

The new CEO is said to focus on anchoring the brand around its heritage and positioning it as a growing market leader in the food and hospitality industry. 

Before working at TGI Friday’s, Coleman had an extensive career in the restaurant industry,  including VP and CMO of Dave and Busters, CMO of Romano’s Macaroni and Grill, CEO and management consultant for Brava Partners, and various leadership positions at Del Frisco’s restaurant group.

Coleman joined the restaurant chain in 2022, and has led domestic and corporate franchise stores as the brand’s US president and chief marketing officer since then.

“I am incredibly proud to be named CEO of TGI Friday’s and lead this incredible brand,” said Coleman.

“TGI Friday’s is entering a new era of growth and prominence that will build on our beloved tradition and the emotional connection of great food and drinks along with the fun and entertainment that only TGI Friday’s can do.”

The chain said Coleman has been at the forefront of deploying innovative offerings, like the launch of Krispy Rice, a sushi offering developed in partnership with food technology company C3. 

Under his leadership, TGI Friday’s expanded its presence at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and more recently, led the brand through its biggest menu change since the 1990s with the launch of the Grilled and Sauced platform. 

“Brandon has proven time and time again that innovation layered on top of rich brand history is the key to sustained and impactful growth,” said Rohit Manocha, chairman of the board and co-founder of TriArtisan Capital Advisors.

“We are thrilled to continue this journey, and we are confident that Brandon is the right person to lead TGI Friday’s into its strategic next phase.”