Bayardo Pena
T.G.I. Friday’s Kitchen Manager
Port Charlotte, FL

Bayardo Pena was born in Managua, Nicaragua and lived in Panama and Costa Rica before moving to Miami in 1987. In November 1988, he was hired as a dishwasher for the new T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant opening in Sarasota, FL. Bayardo quickly worked his way up to be a line cook, always focused on being the best. Through his passion and dedication, he was named the representative for Sarasota in the regional “Cookin’ and Bookin’” competition from 1990-1992. In 1992 he was given the opportunity to be onthe New Store Opening team for Friday’s first restaurant in Europe, located in Madrid, Spain. Bayardo then received his first of many awards — a Presidential Gold Star.

Bayardo set high standards for himself and those around him as he continued to open restaurants both internationally and domestic. Overall, Bayardo opened 22 restaurants in 13 countries. Once again, opportunity knocked on his door and in 1998, he went to work for a franchise-owned Friday’s restaurant in the Tampa International Airport. Bayardo began as the Kitchen Manager and was promoted to General Manager in early 2000. Under Bayardo’s leadership the restaurant broke numerous sales records and was recognized for the highest sales for five consecutive years.

The highlight of his career came in 2002 when Bayardo was named “GM of the Year” for non-traditional restaurants. In 2004, Bayardo moved to the T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant in Port Charlotte, Florida, and is currently the Kitchen Manager. His ultimate goal is to become an International Director of Operations with the Friday’s brand.

Bayardo lives in Sarasota with his wife and their three children. He enjoys traveling and coaching youth soccer. He is actively involved as a board member for a community soccer league.

Michael Vercillo
T.G.I. Friday’s General Manager
Bay Shore, NY

Michael Vercillo was hired as a Fry Cook at the T.G.I. Friday's restaurant in Hauppague, NY, April of 1992. Mike proved to be a hard working self-starter, and through his ambitious nature and quick learning skills, he became validated on all stations in the kitchen. Mike was eager to grow with the Friday's brand and he earned certifications as Restaurant Steward, Trainer, and Server. Three short years later, "Mike V." was promoted to Manager at the T.G.I. Friday's restaurant in Huntington, N.Y. During the next four years he also worked in the Friday's restaurant in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn. His first opportunity to be a Kitchen Manager was in Rockville Center. Mike did such a great job that he was chosen as Kitchen Manager for a new restaurant opening in Farmingville, NY. One year later Mike V. was again selected for another new T.G.I. Friday's restaurant opening in Riverhead, NY. In 2005, Mike V. was promoted to General Manager of the T.G.I. Friday's in Bayshore, NY.

In every position, Mike has quickly earned the respect of the entire team. When other managers describe working with Mike, they talk about his attention to detail, hard work ethic, outgoing and fun personality, as well as his sense of humor! If one was to walk into Mike Vercillo's kitchen, he or she would find everyone working hard with big smiles and Mike singing loudly in the background.

Michael Vercillo describes his life as "currently living happily ever after..." from Fry Cook to General Manager leading a $4.9 Million Annual Sales Restaurant.