<P> On May 20, 2014, T.G.I. Fridays was resold to Sentinel Capital Partners and TriArtisan Capital Partners . </P> <P> T.G.I. Fridays is a franchising operation, with franchisees owning most of the outlets . The largest franchisee is The Briad Group in New Jersey . An international franchisee was Whitbread PLC, the owner of T.G.I. Fridays UK . Up until 2007, it had 45 locations in the UK . On January 17, 2007, Whitbread sold operating rights of all 45 restaurants back to T.G.I. Fridays UK Limited (a consortium consisting of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc. and ABN Amro Capital) thus exiting a partnership formed in 1986 . T.G.I. Fridays has also been used as a restaurant for hotels run by Country Inns & Suites by Carlson brand . </P> <P> The newer T.G.I. Fridays franchises (as well as redesigned restaurants) are more contemporary, with wallpaper, granite exteriors, and red - and - white striped lamps instead of Tiffany . The exteriors have stucco, the entrance doors have "F" - shaped handles, and a metal cup above the door has a stripe saying "In Here, It's always Friday". Most T.G.I. Fridays have a propeller and a rowing scull on display as part of their antiques, which are actually a part of a story told to all T.G.I. Fridays employees; the scull always contains a pair of saddle shoes and a bottle of champagne to remind employees of the value of teamwork, leadership, and celebrating success . The propeller is always above or near the bar . The thought is that the bar "propels" the restaurant . </P> <P> Fridays has a large menu with an emphasis on alcoholic beverages . </P>

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