Carlson is an American privately held company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, United States.

Its primary subsidiary is Carlson Private Capital Partners, a family office that manages the owners' wealth.

It was originally named the Gold Bond Stamp Company and started with a $55 loan Carlson received from his landlord during the Great Depression.

[5][6] The chain grew rapidly by franchising the name and taking management contracts for new hotels throughout the country.

[3] In 1975, Carlson ventured into the restaurant business by acquiring an interest in TGI Fridays, taking full ownership in 1989.

At that time, many employees were working six days per week and not receiving higher pay than those at similar companies with less demands.

[24] In 2022, CWT received a capital injection from owners which resulted in Carlson moving from majority to minority ownership.