Ian Davies has been promoted to head chef of The Sparling at Barton restaurant in Lancashire.
Davies, 28, (pictured) joined the restaurant as sous chef when it first opened in November 2007.
He will continue to work closely with The Sparling’s executive head chef, Warrick Dodds, who was formerly head chef of Nigel Haworth’s Northcote kitchen.
He said: “I feel proud to be taking up the reins from Warrick as head chef of an award-winning kitchen. It’s great to be part of the business’s ongoing success. I’ve already thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Barton and I look forward to the responsibilities that my new position will bring.
”I’m fortunate to have such a talented team behind me at Barton and a great new menu to work with as well. I’m confident we’ll be able build on the achievements of our first year and continue to serve some of the finest food and drink in the county.”
The Carlson Group, the owner of the TGI Friday`s chain has also promoted Ricky Richardson, the former managing director of TGI Friday’s UK to executive vice president and chief operating officer of TGI Friday’s International.
In his new role, Richardson will be responsible for all business aspects at more than 310 restaurants in 61 countries. He will report into the president and chief executive of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.