Ray Blanchette

In a decisive move that shakes up the leadership team of one of its biggest competitors, TGI Fridays announced the hiring of restaurant industry veteran Ray Blanchette as CEO on Tuesday.

Blanchette left his role as CEO of rival full-service restaurant brand Ruby Tuesday after just nine months for the Fridays position, according to an article in Nation’s Restaurant News. Blanchette succeeds Aslam Khan, who was promoted to the role of vice chairman of the franchise brand.

This is Blanchette’s third executive role since being replaced as CEO of Ignite Restaurant Group in November 2015, according to Restaurant Business Online. Prior to being hired at Ruby Tuesday in January 2018, the restaurant industry veteran had a 20-month stint as CEO of fast-casual chain Au Bon Pain.

“I started my career at TGI Fridays, where I worked for 18 years. I have great passion for this brand, and it is my dream job. As we move forward and continue our focus on being the best bar and grill in the world, I see great things ahead for our guests, team members and this company,” Blanchette said in a statement.