T.G.I. Friday’s was founded by Alan Stillman in 1965.  He started wit with $5,000 of his own money and $5,000 he borrowed from his mother.  He purchased a bar that he has frequented and renamed it T.G.I. Friday’s.  This was originally supposed to be a bar for single people and the original location closed in 1994 and was replaced by a British pub.    Stillman was able to open other locations with a friend named Ben Benson and he named these after the days of the week.  He began to franchise the T.G.I. Friday’s concept in 1971 in Memphis, Tennessee.  The chain was sold to the Carlson Companies in the 1970s, but Stillman kept the original location.  By the 1980s there were over 100 stores and currently there are over 900 locations in the United States and worldwide.

T.G.I. Friday’s original menu featured many casual dining options and bar food.  These menu items were all made with quality ingredients, but since the family concept has caught on since the company has changed the menu to appeal to a more family style dining atmosphere.  They currently serve grilled items including steaks, seafood, and chicken.  There is still a strong emphasis on alcohol and they do have a full bar in every location.  They also offer many different menu items that are made with alcoholic beverages including many items that are made with Jack Daniel’s.

T.G.I. Friday’s offers franchising and the franchisee must have a significant net worth.  They also must have at least 5 years of hospitality experience with operating multiple restaurant locations.  The net worth must be more than $6 million and at least $2.5 million has to be available in liquid assets.  They only allow franchisees to commit to a multi-unit development agreement and they do not offer any single unit franchise opportunities at all.