After closing more than 30 sites last year, TGI Fridays is relaunching with a fully refreshed menu and lower prices, aiming to make Friday dining a weekly ritual rather than a special occasion. The chain, now operating 33 UK restaurants including Trafford Centre, Cheadle, and Bolton, has introduced an 'everyday trio' menu offering a starter, main, and drink from £12.49, as well as £5 margaritas made with Matthew McConaughey's Pantalones Organic Tequila.
New Menu Highlights
The new menu features 'bigger flavours, cult-favourite returns, and exciting collaborations', according to the company. Among the standout dishes is the Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta, a best-seller globally now available in the UK for the first time. This creamy fettuccine dish combines Cajun-spiced shrimp and chicken with peppers, garlic, and hard Italian-style cheese. Another highlight is the Triple Chicken Platter starter, which includes traditional BBQ wings, Fridays' Signature Whiskey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Strips, and Frank's RedHot boneless wings. The whiskey glaze, made with Jack Daniel's whiskey, is a signature element also used on the 10oz sirloin steak (£26.99 with two sides), cooked perfectly to medium-rare.
Pricing and Value
The 'everyday trio' menu has been popular for its affordability, while the £5 margaritas are drawing customers. The most expensive dish, the sirloin steak, is priced at £26.99, cheaper than many competitors. Other options include Crispy Chicken Finger BLT and Blackened Cajun Chicken sandwiches on toasted ciabatta, from £15.49 with fries. Desserts include New York Style Cheesecake (£6.99) and the intriguing Dirt and Worm Pie (vanilla ice cream with Oreo crumbs, chocolate sauce, and gummy worms).
Industry Context
The restaurant was half full on a Saturday afternoon, reflecting challenges in the hospitality sector. Manchester's Hard Rock Cafe closed earlier this year after 25 years. Phil Broad, Managing Director at TGI Fridays, said: 'This menu marks a big moment for Fridays in the UK. We know guests are more intentional about where they spend their money right now, so we knew this launch couldn't just feel new - it had to feel genuinely worth it. We've focused on bringing more value into the experience through better pricing, broader choice, upgraded dishes, and the return of genuine Fridays favourites guests have been asking us to bring back for years.'
Verdict
The new menu and pricing strategy appear to offer strong value and quality. The generous portion sizes and flavour-packed dishes, particularly the Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta and whiskey-glazed items, suggest TGI Fridays has a good chance of winning back customers. With ongoing offers and a refreshed brand, the chain may well be back in the game.
