Fridays introduces sustainable uniforms

To celebrate its 35th birthday today (18 March), Fridays is relaunching its iconic red and white striped uniform – now made entirely from recycled plastic – across its restaurants ready for outdoor dining on 12 April.

The original uniform made its UK debut on 18 March 1986 at the Hagley Road, Birmingham bar and restaurant (pictured below).

“What better way to celebrate our 35th birthday than with a present to our Fridays fans and family – bringing back the iconic red and white stripe uniforms?" comments Robert B. Cook, CEO of Fridays.

“The team is incredibly excited to don the stripes again for the first time in nearly 10 years and spread that Fridays' feeling to our guests when we reopen on 12 April. 

“We’ve also worked hard to ensure our new shirts are sustainable and environmentally friendly – making them entirely out of recycled materials. We can’t wait for Fridays fans to see the newly kitted out team in action and start our release from lockdown with a bang.”

As well as celebrating Fridays’ heritage, the uniforms are the latest addition to the group's sustainability efforts. This includes a commitment to ensure 100% of food waste is recycled, and since 2014 achieving zero waste to landfill.

Fridays is also committed to sustainability in its supply chain, including approved responsible sourcing policies for palm oil, soy, sugar, fish, seafood, tea, cocoa, coffee, cotton and paper. 

The new shirts are made from 100% recycled plastic with six plastic water bottles used in each one, making the shirts lightweight and durable. The fabric is designed to wick sweat, dry quickly and keep the wearer cool.

Fridays’ new sustainable uniforms will be launched initially at 28 locations opening for outside dining on 12 April 12, with plans to roll them out across all Fridays restaurants during 2021.

Reservations for 12 April to 16 May will go live at Midday Monday 22 March.

Fridays worked with PlayerLayer on the uniforms – a sportswear manufacturer that creates durable and lightweight sports kit for professional teams using recycled and eco-friendly materials, such as coffee bean waste and bamboo.