
When T.G.I. Friday’s opened its doors in 1965, it was the first concept to bring singles together in what founder Alan Stillman called a “public cocktail party.†Then, more than 25 years ago, it was one of the first chains to step across the Atlantic Ocean into the international arena.

Today, as the 900-unit chain approaches its 50th birthday in 2015, Friday’s is working to recapture some of that early momentum by shrugging off the malaise of middle age and differentiating itself from the numerous bar-and-grill competitors its early success spawned.

In the past year, the Carrollton, Texas-based chain has begun a major facelift of its menu, decor and service style; signed three new franchise groups with the help of a new domestic president of franchising; and unveiled plans to add in the coming year 40 new international units to the 354 already open in 60 countries.

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