Several refrigerated and frozen food processors were among those recently honored as top suppliers by casual restaurant operator T.G.I. Friday's USA, Carrollton, Texas. Officials said they recognized the chain's top performing partners in early June at the 2010 Supplier Summit at the Westin Stonebriar in Frisco, Texas.

"We are pleased to honor our exceptional supplier partners, all of whom have shown extraordinary support and commitment to the T.G.I. Friday's USA brand," said John Neitzel, president and chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday's USA. "Their continued contributions to our business make T.G.I. Friday's restaurants a successful leader in the competitive marketplace of casual dining."

Named as "Supplier of the Year" was frozen desserts specialistLawler Foods, Humble, Texas.

Cheese and cultured products giantSchreiber Foods Inc., Green Bay, Wis., won T.G.I. Friday's "Quality Excellence" award.

Winning the "VP R&D Recognition" award wasRastelli Foods Group, a Swedesboro, N.J., processor and distributor of beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry, and game products and value-added and kitchen-ready foods.

TGI Friday's Inc. is part of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc.,