T.G.I. Friday's(R) Restaurants Proclaim Jack(TM) & Coke(R) the 'All-American Drink'

Friday's(R) 'Give Me More Stripes(TM)' Members Determine America's Most Popular Drink In Time for the World's Largest Inauguration Party

CARROLLTON, Texas, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The votes are in! After polling more than 600,000 members of its Give Me More Stripes guest recognition program (www.givememorestripes.com), T.G.I. Friday's restaurants (www.fridays.com) today announced that Jack & Coke has been declared the All-American Drink with 51.5 percent of the overall vote. Jack & Coke will be featured at the World's Largest Inauguration Party at more than 920 Friday's restaurants in 62 countries on Jan. 20 http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/fridays/36592/.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090113/DA58632)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060907/DATH025LOGO)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081121/DA48073)

"Since we are an All-American restaurant and hosting the World's Largest Inauguration Party, it only made sense that our guests determine the All-American Drink," said Andrew Jordan, senior vice president of marketing for T.G.I. Friday's USA. "Our guests know a good party when they see it and a great drink when they taste it. Their choice of Jack & Coke will be forever known as the All-American Drink."

The five finalists, determined by Friday's based on sales and popularity at its 600-plus U.S. restaurants, fared as follows:

• Jack & Coke 51.5%
• Long Island Iced Tea 24.0%
• Cosmopolitan 11.0%
• Cape Cod 9.1%
• Martini 4.5%

"Jack Daniel's is charcoal mellowed for a uniquely smooth character and flavor at America's oldest registered distillery, so it's fitting that Jack & Coke is Friday's 'All-American Drink' and will be featured at the World's Largest Inauguration Party," said Karin Newberry, Jack Daniel's Brand Management Director. "With over 50% of the votes, Jack Daniel's thanks T.G.I. Friday's guests for recognizing a great American cocktail."

During the World's Largest Inauguration Party, at 9 p.m. local time, the All-American Drink will be honored by the famous T.G.I. Friday's bartenders in a Friday's-style toast heard 'round the world.

"This party is going to be huge and recognizing the 'All-American Drink' is a big part of our plans," continued Jordan. "For us, it's just a great excuse for a party and nobody, and I mean nobody, throws a party like T.G.I. Friday's."

About Give Me More Stripes

The only nationwide in-restaurant program of its kind has more than 600,000 members in the U.S. Give Me More Stripes perks available at participating restaurants.

Membership benefits include:

• Personalized & customized membership card
• Free appetizer or dessert upon sign-up (up to $8 value)
• One-time use jump-the-line-pass
• $8 certificate for every $100 spent (excluding alcohol-only purchases)
• Exclusive communication about specials and food/drink previews

About Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc.

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of T.G.I. Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality, travel and marketing industries. As of January 2009, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 62 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.