We all love Fridays!
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza has officially launched their brand-new food and entertainment precinct and one of the most anticipated arrivals was TGI Fridays. Gone are the days where residents north of the Torrens had to travel all the way down to Marion to immerse themselves in the TGI Fridays experience.
We were privileged to have the opportunity to sit down with TGI Fridays Chairman and CEO, James Sinclair, on opening day. When we asked James about the potential impact TGI Fridays will have in the new precinct, James advised that it promises to be a huge success: “When there was talk of a redevelopment at Tea Tree Plaza, Westfield found that there was a high demand for big international chains and Fridays was the number one requested brand for the centre.” James also advised the new outlet employs up to 65 locals; and the chefs in the kitchen are building their culinary careers. MANABOUTADL are super impressed by this support and confidence in the local community.
TGI Fridays was created way back in 1965 in New York City, today the international brand can be found at more than 870 outlets across the globe. The chain’s latest outlet in Modbury is beyond impressive. As soon as you enter the restaurant you can’t help but notice the big island bar and we found this to be the point of difference compared to other eateries in the area. TGI Fridays is the perfect place for a pre-meal beverage with a group of mates as it comes complete with big TV screens surrounding the island bar broadcasting live sports.
TGI Fridays is the ultimate social venue in the North Eastern Suburbs. We couldn’t help but notice the presence of a large propeller near the island bar. James explains: “Every Fridays across the world has a propeller within close proximity to the bar and this reminds us that the bar is always the engine room of TGI Fridays.”
Common features of the new look fit-out, which you can find at the new Tea Tree Plaza outlet, include the traditional ‘New York Brick’ Wall look, contemporary light fixtures and a view of the kitchen for you to watch the chefs in action. There are however some reminders of the traditions of Fridays with antique framed prints dotted along the walls.
We road tested the new outlet on opening day and were treated to a selection of signature classics as well as new items on the menu. We sampled the ‘Pork Belly Nachos’, made with house cooked corn chips, which were fully loaded with crispy pork belly, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and complemented by a ‘Spicy Godzilla’ Jalapeño sauce. We were also super impressed with the ‘Crusted Barramundi’ and new menu item, ‘Mandarin Style Roasted Chicken’, served with Asian-Style wraps, pickled vegetables, and hoisin sauce. We devoured the ‘Falling off the Bone’ platter which included a full rack of slow cooked, baby back pork ribs and confit chicken wings tossed in the TGI Fridays signature glaze. Seriously, there are so many items on the menu to cater for different tastebuds. The majority of meals were served on large wooden boards which definitely promotes sharing amongst a group of family or friends.
James talks about the menu and says “Our customers are wanting that taste of America. Buffalo Wings and big hearty American-style burgers have proven popular over the years, but apart from that we have introduced some healthier items on the menu,” James says, “We have reduced the size of the menu but we are focussing on the quality of the food as most of the menu items take time to prepare. Examples include our tortilla chips which are handmade daily and the chicken wings that are confit in garlic infused oil. A lot of that takes time and we are proud of the menu we have on offer”.
We are extremely impressed with the addition of Fridays to the Tea Tree Plaza Precinct which gives the residents in the North Eastern suburbs a place to meet and eat. We strongly suggest you head along to Fridays to experience that taste of America without having to leave the country.
TGI Fridays is open for dine in, take away and will soon be available with Uber Eats.
You can find TGI Fridays at Westfield Tea Tree Plaza’s new dining and entrainment precinct. They are open every day except for public holidays from 11:30am till late.
For more information and to view the Menu head to: www.tgifridays.com.au
All images provided.