Celebrating 40 Years of Driving Out Mom and Pop

I wonder if those lamenting the "sudden" proliferation of chain restaurants in NYC are aware of this,

"T.G.I. Friday’s, one of the first American casual dining chains, offers a unique dining experience that has become the favorite pastime of millions worldwide. Opening in 1965, the first T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant was located at First Avenue and 63rd Street in New York City."