By Steph Llarena
Twenty five years ago, casual dining restaurant TGIFriday’s arrived in the Philippines to spread good ‘ol time best shared with families and friends. A fun, memorable dining experience that always feels like it’s Friday was promised and continuously delivered.
“One of TGIFriday’s best-kept secret for staying on top is its credo of always being genuine and relevant to its constantly changing and ever-evolving guest profile. This explains the various expansion, store openings, and the recent refurbishment of its Glorietta branch from the vintage atmosphere to a fresher, more hip look and feel,” the brand said in a statement.
And as the New York-born chain celebrates its 25th year in the country, new items on the menu, treats for loyal patrons, and other special anniversary promos are rolling out leading up to its official birthday on Dec. 11.
“In keeping with today’s trends, TGIFriday’s takes to heart what its guests want, continuing to innovate with new dishes to give them more reasons to come back and enjoy Fridays,” said the dining establishment.
First in the new limited edition (available only until December) menu items is the Prime Ribeye Steak, a 16-oz fine-grained USDA ribeye. Each serving of this juicy, flavorful dish comes with mango chipotle coleslaw and a choice between truffle rice or mashed potato.
Speaking of truffle, the new pasta dish, Truffle Pasta, is made with fennel, bacon, and truffle.
Those who love bones in their meat are in for a treat with the new Bucket of Bones. The bucket consists of delicious, fall-of-the-bone signature glazed ribs, eight pieces of chicken wings, and two pieces of Friday’s pork chop, served with mac and cheese, garlic rice, and French fries.
A portion from each order of the Bucket of Bones goes to Action Against Hunger, an organization that aims to fight hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines.
Another way to try this bucket of meaty goodness is by winning in the Best Fridays Experience contest. From today until December, diners may share old or recent photos or videos of them celebrating or having a memorable time at the restaurant for a chance to win a free Bucket of Bones. Twenty five winners will be selected weekly.
“It could be anything that shows how memorable dining experiences are at TGIFridays. It may be old photos of them celebrating an important occasion with the family or partying with friends, having that first date with someone special on Valentine’s Day, or a recent video of them being serenaded by our staff during their birthday,” said TGIFriday’s vice president RC Tiongson.
Meanwhile, Citibank cardholders buying one Friday’s Favorites will get another of equal or lower price for free. The food choices include Fridays Chili Ball Park Nachos Regular, Fridays Signature Burger, Caesar Salad (to share), and half rack of Baby Back Ribs. The promo runs Tuesday to Thursday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until Nov. 28.
Finally, on Dec. 11, a simultaneous celebration is happening across all branches nationwide. From 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all tables will each get a serving of Chili Ball Park Nachos and drinks of their choice for free. The restaurant staff will also do their special birthday dance.