I’ve always been hesitant about TGI Fridays. I’ve lived a long life without stepping foot in one, largely due to my aversion to chain restaurants – they often fall into the trap of mediocre food at inflated prices. However, with the recent news of the chain entering administration and putting 75 UK stores at risk, I felt compelled to give it a try. It might be now or never.
Before my visit, I explored their website. It was well-designed and brimming with deals, which, to be honest, felt like a desperate attempt to lure customers. There were offers for unlimited sesame chicken strips on Mondays, half-price ribs on Tuesdays, endless chicken wings on Wednesdays, and a ‘burger and a bevvy’ deal on Thursdays. And then, of course, there was the Friday special: more unlimited sesame chicken. It felt overwhelming, almost like a plea for attention rather than a testament to the quality of their food.
Stepping into the Cardiff city centre branch, I was met with a menu as expansive as the number of deals. It was filled with the usual suspects: mozzarella sticks, chicken strips, calamari, and corn dogs. The main courses were a parade of Americana: steaks, burgers, chicken, pasta, and salads. There was no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options either, with a variety of plant-based cheeses and meat substitutes.
The sheer number of choices overwhelmed me, and I defaulted to the second burger on the menu. The burger with chips was £18, chicken dishes around £22, and the ultimate barbecue platter a whopping £39.95. For a children’s meal, you could get fish fingers or a chicken burger for £7.80, which included two sides and fruit.
While the menu offered a wide range of options, the food itself was pretty much what you’d expect from a chain restaurant: mass-produced and just okay. My burger, for instance, was neither a culinary triumph nor a disaster. It had a ‘legendary’ glaze but the bacon lacked crunch and the patty needed more impact.
However, the family-friendly atmosphere was a major plus. The venue was clean, energetic, and had a lively hum. The staff were cheerful and contributed to the overall pleasant mood. The soundtrack was just loud enough to mask the noise of children while still allowing for conversation.
Despite the positive atmosphere, TGI Fridays felt lost in an identity crisis. They seemed to be struggling to find their place in a market brimming with unique independent venues. The extensive menu reminded me of the restaurants Gordon Ramsay visits on Kitchen Nightmares, trying to be everything to everyone and failing.
My experience was predictable: average food served in a family-friendly environment for a quick change of scenery. While the kids’ meals were a highlight, the overall experience felt underwhelming. There are other places, even other chains, that offer a better overall value and quality.
TGI Fridays is a relic of a bygone era. It’s a place that may be a familiar comfort for some, but for others, it’s a reminder of how far chain restaurants have to go to stay relevant in a competitive market.
