First look at TGI FRIDAYS – SURFERS PARADISE

WORDS: Lauren Falchi PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Iconic American Bar & Grill TGI Fridays has set its sights firmly on the Sunshine State of Queensland for its most anticipated and unprecedented restaurant opening yet, announcing the forthcoming arrival of its new Australasian flagship, TGI Fridays Surfers Paradise, as it brings an authentic taste of New York to the Gold Coast.

Signalling the hospitality heavyweight’s first ever beachside venue, and third for Queensland (off the back of its recent debut on the Sunshine Coast), TGI Fridays Surfers Paradise is expected to become the number one TGI Fridays restaurant in Australasia, delivering a relaxed, all-day dining experience in a spectacular coastal setting with the best ocean views on the esplanade, served up with its signature bar and grill menu and that “Fridays Feeling”.

Opening its doors within the brand new $40million Paradise Centre dining precinct, which is nearing the final stages of completion, TGI Fridays Surfers Paradise will occupy the coveted corner position on the elevated first floor, overlooking world-famous shores and the buzzing shopping and entertainment strip of Cavill Avenue below.

Illuminated in neon, the words ‘Paradise is only one cocktail away’ will set the tone for diners upon entering the expansive 180-patron venue, with seating ranging from sleek timber booths to stools at the central island bar, and casual, window-side high-tables to soak up the salty breeze, good times and Insta-worthy ocean views.

In a first for the brand as a nod to its seaside locale, coastal-style furnishings will be dotted throughout the venue, complemented by the brand’s signature industrial-style brass and brick finishes and cascading greenery, resulting in the perfect blend of city meets sea.

CEO of Signature Hospitality Group, James Sinclair, commented on the opening of TGI Fridays Surfers Paradise:

“The Gold Coast has really embraced TGI Fridays and we’re so excited to have secured this unmatched seaside address for our largest restaurant on the Gold Coast and Australasian flagship – it’s something new for us but we think this iconic location will be incredibly popular with our patrons and complement our Queensland portfolio perfectly,” he said.

“In addition to the amazing locals, we’re really looking forward to welcoming a new wave of diners at our Surfers Paradise venue, from day-trippers to interstate and international visitors holidaying in this special beachside city.

“We want TGI Fridays Surfers Paradise to be a place for everyone to meet, mingle and enjoy some fantastic food and drinks in a casual setting – whether they’re coming off the beach after a day of relaxation or partying by the pool, meeting family for an early dinner, enjoying a sunset cocktail during Happy Hour, or catching up with mates for a beer whilst watching a live game on our big screens.”

TGI Fridays enthusiasts won’t have to wait much longer to experience all the American fare their hearts and stomachs desire, with an official opening date set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Hungry diners will be spoiled for choice when it comes to ordering from the crowd-pleasing range of dishes – from wings by the dozen, to juicy burgers and wraps served with piles of shoe-string fries, nourishing bowls and salads, slow-cooked, flame-grilled ribs with your choice of glaze (the Fridays Signature Whiskey Glaze is a good place to start), fresh-mex meals and mouth watering steaks (if you’re wavering, go for the New York Striploin).

Plant-based foodies will also relish the brand’s popular new plant-based menu items, ranging from their must-try Southwest Loaded Potato Twisters, to the Sizzling Fajita Tower and Love BUDS plant-based cheeseburger.

Desserts are serious business here too, so be sure to save some room for all the American classics – from the decadent Brownie Obsession (a heavenly chocolate brownie covered in hot chocolate fudge sauce, caramel sauce, creamy vanilla ice cream and chopped pecans), to the Fridays Malteser Turtles and Strawberry Cheesecake Cups.

Not to be forgotten is TGI Fridays’ oh-so popular Happy Hour (every day from 4pm – 6pm) and exciting cocktail menu (it’s literally pages long!). There’s the Classics, of course, Fridays Favourites, Born in NYC range, and Ultimate Cocktails list (super sized), plus plenty of no alcohol varieties too. A new drinks menu is also timed to coincide with the launch of TGI Fridays Surfers Paradise, which will see newcomers like Strawberry Southside and Ultimate Pink Gin Spritz join TGI Fridays icons, such as the Long Island Iced Tea (of which TGI Fridays was the original founder), Ultimate Electric Lemonade, Passionfruit Margarita, Big-Appletini and iconic Cosmopolitan.

The brand has evolved significantly since its origins in Manhattan, New York City in 1965, transforming from a dedicated singles-bar concept to a successful global brand that now operates over 900 restaurants across 60 countries, including 18 here in Australia, with the Surfers Paradise venue marking the 19th nationally.

TGI Fridays will unveil its brand new restaurant at Surfers Paradise in the coming months, with major opening-week giveaways and incentives on offer for diners. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks via its Facebook page @TGIFridaysSurfersParadise.

For more information on TGI Fridays, please visit https://www.tgifridays.com.au/

ABOUT TGI FRIDAYS: America’s famous Bar and Grill TGI Fridays celebrates the opening of its 19th restaurant in Australia – third for Queensland and second on the Gold Coast. Founder of the iconic ‘happy hour’ and loaded potato skins, TGI Fridays is famous for its handcrafted burgers, juicy ribs, innovative cocktails and has become a favourite place for friends and family to get together. TGI Fridays uses quality local produce, and all menu items are prepared daily and cooked to order.