Observations from the President

In his book, Well Done!: The Common Guy's Guide to Everyday Success, Wendy's founder, Dave Thomas writes that "success has its ingredients - just like a good cheeseburger." Among those ingredients are his "toppings" - rules and outlooks that have helped guide his life. Heading his "toppings" list are: "You can't cut corners on quality"; "Give back - early and often"; and "When you help someone, you really help yourself."

A commitment to giving back and helping others in the community has long been a key element in the success of many national companies, including The Briad Group. Last fall, for example, we sponsored our first annual charity golf outing, resulting in donations exceeding $11,000 each to the Children's Miracle Network and the National Adoption Center. Also last year, Briad employees went the extra mile for community flood victims and Little League teams. More recently, several Wendy's employees participated in shopping mall holiday parades for children, handing out chili and Frosty coupons. Plus, Briad flew T.G.I. Friday's contest winners to the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. Our T.G.I. Friday's also participates in the annual fundraiser for the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, which supports those less fortunate. Each of these examples embodies our commitment to give back to the communities that give so much to us.

Part of serving our communities is acting responsibly within our communities. A good neighbor always respects laws, especially laws that exist to ensure safety. First and foremost, our restaurants must be places of comfort and safety in the community.

Next, of course, our restaurants must be places of food and funplaces to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and promotions. In short, places to celebrate life. Thank you again for doing your best to celebrate life in our restaurants and in the community. By doing our best for others, we do the best for ourselves.

THIRD ANNUAL KICKOFF

Kicking Off into the New Millennium!

On January 5, 2000, Briad managers assembled at the Hanover Marriott for the 3rd Annual Kickoff Meeting. Gathered for the Celebration were managers from all of our brands and the corporate office, representatives from Carlson Restaurants Worldwide (T.G.I. Friday's Corporate), Wendy's International and some of our vendors. The planning committee pictured [at left] deserves kudos for creating an event filled with information, fun, and lots and lots of Winners!

Thanks to the Planning Committee for an outstanding Kickoff into the Future! Standing (l to r): Elena Kurza, Wendy's Area Director; Dan Vieira, Benefits Assistant; Holly Schulze, HR Assistant; Jenny Basis, HR Manager; Andrew Halper, VP of HR; Erin Cotterell, Manager of Employee Development. Not pictured, Dave Miller, General Manger T.G.I. Friday's Flemington, NJ.

Winning with Briad . . .

And with Briad Bucks at the Kickoff! Tony Fenn, General Manager of T.G.I. Friday's Freehold, NJ had the right answer!

Coming in Next Issue . . . More Openings and Profiles