T.G.I. Friday's, the first American casual dining chain, is a dining experience that has become the favorite pastime of millions since 1965. The first T.G.I. Friday?s was located at First Avenue and 63rd Street in New York City and featured red and... more »
T.G.I. Friday's, the first American casual dining chain, is a dining experience that has become the favorite pastime of millions since 1965. The first T.G.I. Friday?s was located at First Avenue and 63rd Street in New York City and featured red and white stripes, a blue exterior and its name -- T.G.I. Friday?s. Inside were wooden floors, Tiffany lamps, bentwood chairs and striped tablecloths. The bar area, with its brass rails and stained glass, contributed to the ambiance. For T.G.I. Friday?s interior decor, a full time antique "picker" traveled extensively to auctions and flea markets. Memorabilia had to be authentic and, if possible, unique to the area where the new restaurant would be located. In a Nashville warehouse, this "clutter" was restored before being loaded on a truck bound for the next T.G.I. Friday?s opening. The New York T.G.I. Friday?s enjoyed an immediate and spectacular success. First year revenues totaled $1 million. This restaurant on Manhattan?s Upper East Side had become THE meeting place for single adults. In fact, according to Newsweek and The Saturday Evening Post, the opening of T.G.I. Friday?s heralded the dawn of the singles age. By 1972, the restaurant as we know it today was taking everyone by storm. By 1975, there were ten T.G.I. Friday?s restaurants in eight states. As of June 30 there are 609 in 52 countries! As the guests have changed, so has Friday's. The company has grown and the guests have matured. Now many of them bring their children with them when they dine at T.G.I Friday?s and, T.G.I. Friday?s still offers an unsurpassed menu selection of food prepared to perfection, served in a lively, engaging atmosphere.
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