1962-2013; Expansion into hospitality industry
In 1962, Carlson bought into his first Radisson Hotel, a vintage property in Minneapolis named after French explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson.[4][5] The chain grew rapidly by franchising the name and taking management contracts for new hotels throughout the country.[6] The company was renamed Carlson Companies, Inc., in 1973.[2]
In 1975, Carlson ventured into the restaurant business by acquiring an interest in TGI Fridays, taking full ownership in 1989.[7] It also purchased Country Kitchen, a chain of family-style restaurants in 1977,[8] selling the brand in 1997.[9]
In 1981, Carlson acquired E.F. MacDonald Motivation Co., another incentive management company, making the company the largest trading stamp company in the world. At that time, many employees were working six days per week and not receiving higher pay than those at similar companies with less demands.[10] In 1986, the company also established the Country Inns & Suites brand.[11]
In 1994, Carlson and Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, a division of Accor, merged their travel agencies to form CWT, a travel management company.[12] In 1997, Carlson acquired Regent Hotels & Resorts from Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.[13] Carlson gained the rights to develop future hotels, while Four Seasons maintained management of nine hotels.[14] In spring 1998, Curt Carlson named his daughter Marilyn Carlson Nelson as his successor. He died in February 1999 after suffering a stroke.[15][16]
In 2005, Carlson acquired 25% of Rezidor Hotel Group, a business partner of the hotel division in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) markets. Rezidor became a subsidiary of the Carlson hotel group in 2010, despite retaining its listing status. The hotel group rebranded as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in January 2012.[19]
