Confronted with the reality that local, independent eateries are the rage and its own gradual but steady decline in market share, T.G.I. Friday’s is trying to return to its roots as a go-to center for a socially active clientele.
That means appealing to more single customers—who are searching for other singles–and relying less on families. This target customer demographic translates into bigger bar tabs and fewer orders off the low-price children’s menu.
Friday’s opened a revamped version in Nashville last summer, replacing a traditional Friday’s that was wiped out by flooding in 2010. The new look includes a less-cluttered interior, solid wood tables, an open kitchen and marble-topped bar. Friday’s is also upgrading its menu and drink options, which now include a muddled cucumber cocktail with Hendrick’s gin and a strawberry basil margarita.
The chain, which started 48 years in New York, plans to remodel existing locations and build new ones in the image of the Nashville model over the next three years. About 20 will be done by the end of 2013.
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