Long-time Carlson executive assumes domestic leadership role for T.G.I. Friday's.
Carlson Restaurants has named Anita Phillips the president and chief operating officer of its company-owned T.G.I. Friday's restaurants in the U.S. Phillips had been serving in this role on an interim basis since November 2010.
In addition to her leadership role with T.G.I. Friday's, Phillips becomes a part of the Carlson Restaurants executive team and will report to Nick Shepherd, president and chief executive officer of the multi-concept restaurant operator.
In her new role, Phillips is fully responsible for leading and executing strategy across the 300 company-owned Friday's restaurants throughout the U.S. Phillips will serve alongside Lee Sanders, president of Friday's U.S. franchise business.
Phillips has worked for Minneapolis-based Carlson Restaurants for more than 20 years. She has served in various leadership positions including chief financial officer for Carlson Marketing, vice president, finance and strategic sourcing, group finance director for Carlson Leisure Group in the United Kingdom and vice president for Carlson Travel Group. She began her career at Carlson as assistant corporate controller.