Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of T.G.I. Friday's® restaurants and Pick Up Stix® restaurants, was named a finalist today in four categories in The 2007 American Business Awards.

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide was recognized as finalists in the following categories: Best Overall Company -- More than 2,500 Employees; Best Human Resources Organization; Best Communications Team and Best Corporate Communicator -- Amy Freshwater, Senior Director, Corporate Communication and Public Relations.

"Our individuals and our teams make Carlson Restaurants Worldwide one of the most successful global restaurant companies," said Richard Snead, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide. "To have our company, two of our teams and one of our individuals recognized as Stevie finalists is an honor and a reflection of our company's drive and spirit."

Hailed as "the business world's own Oscars" (New York Post, April 27, 2005), The American Business Awards is the only national, all-encompassing awards program honoring great performances in business.

Stevie Award winners will be announced during the annual gala on Monday, June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City at 5 p.m. More than 700 executives from across the U.S.A. are expected to attend. The ceremony will be video-cast on the Internet and broadcasted on radio, and hosted by Larry Wilmore of TV's THE DAILY SHOW with JON STEWART.

More than 2,000 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories.

Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs will select Stevie Award winners this week from among Finalists. Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April through early May.