Overview
First, it was Taco Bell. Now, another big American food brand has set up shop in southeast Queensland: TGI Fridays. In fact, if you head to Robina on the Gold Coast, you can now choose between the two — because that's where TGI Fridays has opened its first eatery in the state.
While the US-based chain of bar and grill-style restaurants already has 13 other locations around Australia, it hadn't yet made the jump up north. Thankfully, that's now changed, meaning that Queenslanders can tuck into its array of steaks, ribs, wings and burgers while sipping a hefty array of cocktails.
The Robina Town Centre store's menu falls in line with its interstate eateries. Food-wise, the general range includes wraps, salads, starters such as mozzarella sticks and mac 'n' cheese-loaded potato twisters, and mains that span chicken tenders, cracked pepper calamari with fries, and cajun chicken and prawn fettuccine. The dessert selection goes heavy on American favourites; think brownies, sundaes and apple crumble.
As for drinks, TGI Fridays takes its beverages seriously, with its standard menu serving up 30 types of cocktails and seven kinds of mocktails. Wine, beer by the bottle and on tap, and both boozy and non-alcoholic shakes are also on offer. And, so is TGI Friday's famed daily happy hour.
Patrons can enjoy their meals and beverages on the Robina Town Centre Promenade, with the store featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, a central bar, TV screens playing sports and an open kitchen. The fitout keeps the signature TGI Fridays look, which includes timber accents and industrial-style lighting installations.
When it comes to the venue's vibe, TGI Fridays pitches itself as part-way between a restaurant and a hangout spot. Back when the brand launched in the 60s, it was actually a singles bar; but these days it's focused on casual, novelty-based American dining.
Find TGI Fridays at Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina — open 11am–midnight daily.