Business Testimonials

“HMSHost has enjoyed a longstanding and successful partnership with George Tinsley and Tinsley Family Concessions, providing regional and national restaurant brands to airport travelers.  George has been recognized for his entrepreneurial savvy; his restaurants are known for operational excellence and customer satisfaction.  Under his leadership, our jointly owned and operated T.G.I. Friday’s® at Tampa International Airport was twice honored as Domestic Franchise Restaurant of the Year, and four times for Highest Annual Domestic Sales for a Non-traditional location.

“His dedication and expertise are a motivating influence on everyone he meets, and we are proud to work with George, Seretha and George Jr. to make the traveler’s day better.”

Elie W. Maalouf
President and CEO
HMSHost Corporation
Bethesda, Md.

“Over the years, George has been a great partner for KFC.  His passion and dedication to Kentucky Fried Chicken is a model of the heritage on which our brand was built.  He has personally demonstrated what’s possible through hard work and determination, and more importantly, what it means to give back to those who are fortunate enough to be associated with him.  As a result, his business, community and family will benefit from his legacy for years to come.”
Gregg Dedrick
President and CEO
KFC Corporation, Louisville, Ky.

“George Tinsley is a talented businessman who has accomplished a great deal in both the food service industry and in life. I am very honored to have been his business partner for 12 years in the first African-American owned and operated T.G.I. Friday’s® Restaurant in the United States. “Under his leadership as managing partner, we have led all comparable Friday’s® in sales four years in a row.”
Clarence A. Daniels Jr.
President and CEO
Concessions Management Services, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif.

“I have worked with George and the Tinsley Family in the fast-paced airport concessions environment for almost 15 years and have always found them to be the concessions model for superior customer service, sound business judgment and ethical conduct.  I would gladly work with Tinsley Enterprises in the future because I believe that their deep and broad background in the restaurant industry and their solid faith-based foundations drive economic value and create an inviting work environment for existing and potential employees.
“They do business right.”

Les Cappetta
President and CEO, Selective Service Partner, North America
Former Senior Vice President of Development, HMSHost Corporation
Bethesda, Md.

“I have known George Tinsley in his capacity as franchise owner of T.G.I. Friday’s® at Tampa International Airport, during which time, I have come to several conclusions. First, I have noted that he is a businessman who has learned to use sound business and people principles to achieve success. He cares about his employees, and thus, they care about his business. I have seen, on many occasions, his employees go out of their way in an effort to provide good customer service. Secondly, he cares about the community. On many occasions, he has been asked to financially support community efforts. And in several instances, he has committed the services of his staff as well as his business and personal resources to support a community event.

“George does not come across as a person who seeks attention; people are attracted to him. And due to his stature and humility, attention is given to him. George Tinsley is a person who loves his business, his employees and his community, and I consider him a friend.”

Ken Anthony
Business Owner and Entrepreneur
Board Member, Tampa International Airport
Tampa, Fla.

“I have had both the opportunity and good fortune to work with George over the past 10 years in very successful joint ventures at the Tampa International and Miami International Airports. It was through his creative approach in developing a joint venture with our organization that actually led to our initial business relationship. George has been a model partner and a very good friend. He is well respected and liked by all in the HMSHost family. George has a great business sense, an outstanding working knowledge of the business, and a terrific and engaging personality. I feel much richer having had the chance to know George, and learning and growing from all he has so generously and unselfishly shared.”
Jeff Yablun
Senior Vice President
HMSHost Corporation, South Region
Bethesda, Md.

“George Tinsley Sr. is a man anyone would be fortunate to meet or have on their team, for they will be better off for it. George has accepted all of life’s challenges and dealt with them successfully whether in the classroom or on the basketball court, in the community, with family, business or friends. He prevailed with hard work, dedication, integrity and professionalism.”
Arthur L. Harreld
Former President and CEO, Lincoln Service Mortgage Corporation
Retired Executive, First Third Bank, Kentucky
Senior Basketball Player