T.G.I. Friday's® to Host Viewing Party to Celebrate Food Network Documentary Featuring Minnie's Food Pantry

CARROLLTON, Texas, April 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- T.G.I. Friday's® in Addison, Texas will host a viewing party to celebrate the work of local non-profit, Minnie's Food Pantry, which will be featured in the Food Network's documentary "Hunger Hits Home" this Saturday, April 14. The documentary, which offers a first-hand look at the crisis of childhood hunger in America, will feature Minnie's Food Pantry's work to provide nutritious, free food to families unable to afford groceries in North Texas.

"Friday's recognizes the commitment of Minnie's team to reduce hunger in the community, and we are proud to be a partner in those efforts," said Nick Shepherd, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants, parent company to T.G.I. Friday's. "This party is a celebration of Minnie's accomplishments and all the great work the organization does in the community."

Friday's will also be donating a truck to Minnie's that will be used to rescue food from local restaurants and stores, that would otherwise be wasted, and distribute it to members of the community.

More than 50 million Americans (16.6% of the population) struggle with hunger. During fiscal year 2011-2012 Minnie's Food Pantry distributed food to more than 38,500 individuals and was voted the number one charity in the community by Dallas City Voter.com.  T.G.I. Friday's work with Minnie's is part of the restaurant's national partnership with Feeding America, which helps provide food to over 37 million Americans each year.

The following are the details of the event:

About T.G.I. Friday's

T.G.I. Friday's restaurants offer authentic American food and exciting drinks in an atmosphere that provides an energizing Friday feeling – any day of the week. Friday's® guest recognition program, Give Me More Stripes®, rewards our loyal guests with great deals and fun events year-round, creating an engaging customer experience. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's differentiates itself with a unique point of view which promises to exhilarate its guests with the feeling of Friday. T.G.I. Friday's, which operates more than 900 restaurants in more than 60 countries, is also famous for its knowledgeable and charismatic bartenders, approximately 8,000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender in the World." For more information, visit www.fridays.com.

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SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's