Ep 1. Tgi Fridays

Undercover Boss has returned for its eleventh season, and in this first episode, we follow the CEO of TGI Fridays, Ray Blanchette, as he goes undercover to see what really goes on in his restaurant chain.

Blanchette disguises himself as a biker named "Ray," complete with a leather jacket and tattoos, to visit various TGI Fridays locations across the country. He starts off at the company's headquarters, where he meets with his executive team to discuss his plans for going undercover. From there, he sets out to learn more about the different roles within the company, from line cook to server to bartender.

Throughout the episode, we see Blanchette struggle with the many tasks required of restaurant employees. He has trouble keeping up with the fast-paced environment of the kitchen, struggles to properly mix drinks behind the bar, and even gets reprimanded by his fellow employees for not following proper protocols. However, he gains a newfound appreciation for the hard work that goes into running a restaurant chain like TGI Fridays.

Blanchette also spends time getting to know some of the employees he's working with. He hears their stories and learns about their struggles, from a single mom juggling multiple jobs to a former convict trying to turn his life around. These personal interactions leave an impact on Blanchette, who realizes that his decisions as CEO have an effect on the lives of those who work for him.

The episode culminates in a reveal, where Blanchette reveals his true identity to the employees he's been working with. He explains how much he's learned from his experience and highlights some of the changes he plans to implement within the company based on what he's seen firsthand.

Overall, this season premiere of Undercover Boss provides a fascinating look into the inner workings of TGI Fridays. Blanchette's experience showcases the importance of connecting with employees on a personal level and the value of hard work in the restaurant industry.