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Original poster

TGI Fridays. Awful.

113 replies

JMAngel1 · 02/12/2023 13:17

So I took DD2 to TGIF in Trafford Centre as a special treat to mark 1st day of Christmas. (plus she was a bit down as DD1 had gone off in TC with all her friends). We would usually just go to Subway so this was a step up for us.
Now I remember going to TGIs decades ago and it was always an exciting experience - lots of lovely staff, gorgeous food and drinks - lots of fuss from staff. Was really hoping DD2 would have a nice time.
But it was just very “meh”. Felt like a Wetherspoons and the staff couldn’t have been less bothered about their jobs if they had tried.
The food portions were tiny (and we’re both petite with not huge appetites) and I’ve had better chicken burgers at KFC.
But the worst was the bill - it was £48 for 2 meals (I lacklustre chicken burger with tiny fries and 3 small skins of baked potato with cheese and bacon) and 2 diet cokes.
I felt totally ripped off. We were in and out within half an hour / night as we’ll have just gone to Subway for a quarter of the price.
Never again.

OP posts:
Mybatteryisoutofcharge · 02/12/2023 13:29

£24 for a TGI meal? Are you sure they gave you the right bill? Even if soft drink was £4.99 you'd be talking about £19 for a chicken burger which doesn't sound right for that kind of chain.

Yayforyou · 02/12/2023 13:35

It’s awful in TGi’s. I’ve only been twice, once 20 years ago & I swore never again. Then the TC one earlier this year & it was worse than remembered. Having said that, any eat in is expensive these days. Though most better than TGIs

FrenchandSaunders · 02/12/2023 13:37

I’m amazed they’re still around, they’ve been shit and expensive for years.

WellThisIsFun1 · 02/12/2023 13:40

Two of us went to our local one, 2 drinks, 2 starters, 2 burgers: £64.

And the portions were TINY.

Scruffington · 02/12/2023 13:40

I was thinking about TGIs the other day as I walked past one. It must have been 20 years since I was in one. I think restaurant and food culture has changed so much since the early 00s that going to TGIs just wouldn't occur to me, even with kids or teens. So many better options about these days.

Inca22 · 02/12/2023 13:41

It's such a shame because it could be so good and fun.

stayathomer · 02/12/2023 13:42

i love tgif but recently stopped in and turned around after checking out the menu, crazy prices (this was in Ireland though)

HamstersAreMyLife · 02/12/2023 13:42

We have one nearby and after going there for a birthday my kids are desperate to visit but agree it's overpriced crap. I see it on a par with weatherspoons in terms of quality. I'm sure they didn't used to be that bad.

RigorMortisRadio · 02/12/2023 13:42

I had never been to one and then a few months ago we were staying in a hotel next to one and were knackered so decided to just give it ago. I'm not snobby about food and love a good chain restaurant but never again! Food was ok but it was so so overpriced for what was essentially Wetherspoons/greene king quality.
Just checked and it's between £16 and £23 for burgers at our local one so don't think your bill was wrong either.

WrongSwanson · 02/12/2023 13:42

We use our local one as they are very good with allergies

Scruffington · 02/12/2023 13:43

Proper burgers are now such a thing that their can't be a town without its own quality burger joint. Just no point paying for an expensive and disappointing burger in TGI Fridays anymore.

SaltPepperPotato · 02/12/2023 13:45

I love TGI but totally agree about it lately. Way too much money for what it is now. Then again two subway meals are costing us around £25 these days.

CountTo10 · 02/12/2023 13:45

TGI's has always been awful. I remember saying years ago that once the kids grew up I would never set foot in the place again (and I haven't). I always had the fajitas because they couldn't really ruin those.

It's a shame because the first time I went in one was in San Francisco and had the most fab meal. I was so excited when it came to the UK but I've never been in one here that hasn't been less than awful.

FrenchandSaunders · 02/12/2023 13:49

I remember being in Covent Garden about 10 years ago with friends. We were looking for somewhere to eat and TGIs was suggested. I was out voted ….. bloody TGIs when we were surrounded by gorgeous places to eat 🙄

IndiKid2015 · 02/12/2023 13:50

Nearly took my kids a few weeks ago, checked prices and decided against. That said, eating out anywhere seems extortionate these days.

Floralnomad · 02/12/2023 13:51

I’ve not been in one for a couple of years and it was ok for what it was and cheap because my adult son was using up rewards he’d amassed . We generally don’t eat there because it’s not that great for gf and last time we went with my gf daughter they made a big song and dance about the manager having to take gf orders and deliver them to the table and my daughter felt like a freak show . It’s definitely nothing special .

Crooklodge · 02/12/2023 13:53

Not been in a few years, dh has booked us a table for Tuesday...

Ye gods, they don't do Jack Daniels chicken anymore. Better be looking for a different restaurant.

ChessieFL · 02/12/2023 13:54

I used to love it but the last couple of times I’ve been it was disappointing for the price. Don’t think I will bother again.

Years ago they used to do something called cowboy steak which was basically a steak topped with lots of crispy onions. That was lovely and I always look to see if they’ve brought it back but no. And they’ve stopped doing the cheesy mash and the Jack Daniel’s glaze.

EmpressSoleil · 02/12/2023 13:55

They were doing a 2 for 1 on cocktails so me and adult DD were gonna have one each. Apparently it didn't work that way and we'd still have to pay for 2 and would end up with 4! Anywhere else I've been has just done it the logical way! They are very overpriced for what they are.

LauderSyme · 02/12/2023 13:56

What a shame you ending up spending your limited budget on something so mediocre and disappointing. I hate it when that happens.

whatausername · 02/12/2023 14:01

Their menu has been rubbish for at least 15 years!

Pyramintdreamer · 02/12/2023 14:05

I had similar experience recently with Frankie and Benny's, wanted a treat for the kids, expensive, poor quality, no atmosphere, just very disappointing.

Original poster
JMAngel1 · 02/12/2023 14:09

The menu to be honest was tiny.
I remember a much larger menu and yes Jack Daniels marinade was definitely on it.
I think Hickory’s is now more like how TGIFs used to be. Friendly staff, fab menu, much more reasonably priced.
Tbh I was just shocked when the bill came last night and just paid and left quickly. I think the worst was trying to be jolly in front of DD as still really wanted her to feel like it was a special treat.

In retrospect, Pizza Hut would have been a better option.

OP posts:
TedWilson · 02/12/2023 14:11

Yeah that's a good point re Hickory's it's much more fun. The TGIs at Resorts World is ok though. I'm still upset they removed the cocktail called Andre the Peachlifter from the menu!

thedamnseason · 02/12/2023 14:12

Mybatteryisoutofcharge · 02/12/2023 13:29

£24 for a TGI meal? Are you sure they gave you the right bill? Even if soft drink was £4.99 you'd be talking about £19 for a chicken burger which doesn't sound right for that kind of chain.

TGI is expensive now.