TGI Fridays UAE Bartender to Represent Region at Global Bartender Championship

Apple Labuyo wins trip to Dublin to compete with international finalists

Dubai, UAE, August 13, 2015: TGI Fridays UAE team member Apple Labuyo has won a well-earned trip to Dublin after showcasing his incredible beverage-serving skills at the first ever TGI Fridays Bartender Championship for Americana. 

The inaugural event, which took place at the Bawadi Mall, Al-Ain on July 27, brought together a TGI Fridays bartender from each of the nine countries in the Middle East and North Africa where the popular casual dining brand operates. The individuals were competing for the chance to represent the region at the TGI Fridays Global Bartender Championship, which takes place in the capital of Ireland later this month. 

The regional contest saw the participants exhibiting their bar skills, knowledge and flare at what proved to be a one-of-a-kind, high-energy event. Apple impressed the international and local Americana judges with his overall level of bartending, which included his product awareness, mixing abilities and pouring talent for a range of mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages. He also picked up points for his professional demeanor and friendly interaction with customers. 

The World Bartender Championship reflects TGI Fridays' longstanding heritage, knowledge, expertise and innovation in the beverage industry. The competition began in the late 1980s as a challenge between bartenders and has since grown into a full representation of the brand and its world-class bartenders. TGI Fridays Americana will be representing the Middle East and North Africa region for the first time this year.