Number of TGI Friday's to double

Carlson Restaurants says it plans to double the number of T.G.I. Friday's restaurants around the globe.

The company announced the plans at its global business conference last week in Dallas, saying that it is uniquely positioned to increase the company's footprint given the strength of its brand, management and franchise partners.

The company plans to accelerate growth over the next five years, and ultimately double the number of the T.G.I. Friday's sites around the world. Carlson did not disclose a timeframe for reaching the long-term goal.

The company has more than 350 restaurants in 60 countries and is on track to open nearly 40 new restaurants in 2011.

T.G.I. Friday's is part of Carlson, which is a travel and restaurant operator headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn.