This interview podcast discusses the rise and fall, and potential resurgence, of the TGI Fridays restaurant chain. The podcast begins by contrasting TGI Fridays' portrayal in the films *Cocktail* (1988) and *Office Space* (1999), highlighting its shift in cultural relevance. It then details the company's history, including its founding as a singles bar and subsequent expansion, its period of peak success under CEO Ray Blanchett, and its struggles in the face of changing consumer preferences and the impact of private equity ownership. The podcast concludes with Blanchett's return to the company and his plans for its future, focusing on smaller menus, shorter hours, and international expansion. A key takeaway is the challenges faced by established casual dining chains in adapting to evolving consumer habits and the competitive fast-casual market.
