A closer look
Long before it became the depressing suburban chain where you eat frozen potato skins, TGI Fridays was the ultimate 1960s hookup spot. Founder Alan Stillman lived in a New York neighborhood packed with single flight attendants and models, but couldn't figure out how to meet them. So, he borrowed $5,000, bought a failing tavern, threw down some sawdust, and invented the modern 'singles bar.' The casual dining empire was literally built on the foundation of a guy trying to get a date.
