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Eight finalists from around the world competed in the 2008 T.G.I. Friday's World Bartender Championship April 17, 2009 in Carrollton, Texas. More than 8,000 bartenders worldwide participated in this year's competition. |
The World Bartender Championship represents Friday's longstanding heritage, knowledge, expertise and innovation in the beverage industry. The competition began back in the late 80s as a challenge between bartenders and has grown into a full representation of the T.G.I. Friday’s brand, a leader in the casual dining industry and one of the most recognized brands in the world.
Beginning in August, local competitions are held throughout the world to determine the best bartender at each restaurant. Local winners advance to regional and then division competitions for chance to compete in the ultimate event: T.G.I. Friday's World Bartender Championship.
Most competitions are open to the public. A list of events can be found under the “Upcoming Competitions” section of the website. The 2009 World Bartender Championship will be held on March 26, 2010 in Dallas.
On April 17, 2009 at the T.G.I. Friday's headquarters in Carrollton, Texas, Keisuke Goto, a 26-year old from Tokyo, Japan edged out the other seven competitors and was crowned: "2008 Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender in the World." Brian Zachau, from Maple Grove, Minnesota, was named the "Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender in the US" for the fifth straight year.
Click the play button below to see highlights from the event's history.
