T.G.I. Friday’s: A Cocktail Party Down The Street

Known for its red and white canopies, Tiffany lamps, brass railings and constant use of antiques in their interior designing, T.G.I Friday’s is a chain of restaurants that focuses on casual dining and traditional American cuisine

T.G.I Friday’s was founded in 1965 by Alan Stillman, a bachelor salesman who lived in an upscale Manhattan neighborhood with many fashion models, airline stewardess, secretaries and a wide assortment of single people. During that time, Stillman had very limited choices when it comes to meeting these women. There were only private cock-tail parties and beer-drinking hangouts that women don’t usually go to. Frustrated, he sought to open a bar that’s going to recreate the comfy cocktail-party ambience in public in spite of having no background in restaurant operations. He hoped that his new venture would help him and other single men mingle with other women and find their perfect match.

With only $5,000 from his own pocket and another $5,000 from his mother, Stillman purchased The Good Tavern, a bar he frequently visited at the corner of First Avenue and 63^rd Street. He rebuilt it as T.G.I Friday’s, complete with red-and-white striped awnings, blue paint, “Gay Nineties” interior and young employees donning red and white soccer shirts. The restaurant exuded a vibrant and colorful atmosphere which drew youthful people in.

Today, T.G.I Fridays is pulsating as it was way back in 1965 and still serves traditional American cuisine, bar grubs and alcoholic beverages. Stillman made sure that every bit of food and drinks they serve is excellently prepared and made of superior quality ingredients. Although the restaurant serves a wide range of delicious food, it is more well-known for its alcoholic beverages and boasts of the “Ultimate” drinks that come in an 18 oz. glass. Its bar also offers an assortment of blended drinks including its signature “Friday’s Freeze” and “Tropicolada.

Needless to say, Stillman’s strategy worked and he met enough number of ladies that’s going to last him a lifetime.  But what’s more impressive is that he has also steered himself to the summits of the restaurant industry, making meeting women a no-brainer for the wealthy restaurateur.