T.G.I. Fridays is an American restaurant chain focusing on casual dining. The company is a unit of the Sentinel Capital Partners and TriArtisan Capital Partners. The name is derived from the phrase “Thank God it’s Friday”. Fridays was founded in 1965 by Alan Stillman and Daniel Rieger in New York City. Stillman was a young advertising executive and Rieger was a bar owner who was looking to increase his business weekdays. The two came up with the idea to create a bar that would be a destination for after-work drinks and socializing. They modeled the bar after English pubs, which were popular at the time, and named it “T.G.I. Friday’s” after the popular expression. The first T.G.I. Friday’s location was a success and soon became a popular hangout for young professionals in the city. The menu featured simple American fare such as burgers and fries, as well as English pub staples like fish and chips. The bar also became known for its extensive list of cocktails, which were served in large, hand-crafted glasses. In the 1980s, T.G.I. Friday’s began to expand nationwide, opening locations in suburban malls and airports. The company also began franchising its restaurants, which helped to further fuel its growth. In the 1990s, T.G.I. Friday’s underwent a major brand overhaul, updating its logo, décor, and menu to appeal to a wider audience. Today, there are over 900 T.G.I. Friday’s locations in 60 countries around the world. While T.G.I. Friday’s is best known for its burgers and cocktails, the chain has also expanded its menu to include a variety of other American and international dishes. T.G.I Friday’s also offers a “Food Cupboard” section on its website, which features recipes for dishes that can be made using ingredients from the restaurant’s menu. The Food Cupboard recipes include everything from appetizers and main courses to desserts and cocktails.