T.G.I. Friday's

TGI FRIDAY’S — BAIT AND SWITCH RIP-OFF

I got the “stripes” card. I got the promo e-mails. This one was pushing a Fat Tuesday special, and promised half-price appetizers and drink specials.

Friday’s is a bit pricy for what you get, so it’s absolutely essential for them to run specials all the time. But previous events always left me feeling a little used, so I decided that one more try was all they deserved.

Didn’t get no “free” beads, and nothing was said about my mask. But that was no big deal. I really went for the grub and some suds, and because they have smoking. If the promo was another TGI Friday’s come-on, at least I might get a break during happy hour (although the menu and signage only leaves one guessing when happy hour really is). The e-mail said this event was from 4pm until closing, with no hint of any black-outs or other exclusions or disqualifications. I was there from about 6.30 to 8pm.

When it was all over and I got my bill, I tried to make sense out of it. Nothing was itemized, and the bartender only said that beers were $3 during happy hour and $4 otherwise, leaving the mystery “happy hour” still as elusive as ever.

My final conclusion was that I paid no less than full price for everything I ordered. It didn’t add up any other possible way. So I am retiring my “stripes” card and unsubscribing from TGI Friday’s bait and switch list. If they ever want me back, I’m going to have to see some big changes. —Paco Morratto 0287000001306745

Pros: Good eats, priced at premium
Cons: TGI FRIDAY’S — BAIT AND SWITCH RIP-OFF

TGI FRIDAY’S — BAIT AND SWITCH RIP-OFF

I got the “stripes” card. I got the promo e-mails. This one was pushing a Fat Tuesday special, and promised half-price appetizers and drink specials.
Friday’s is a bit pricy for what you get, so it’s absolutely essential for them to run specials all the time. But previous events always left me feeling a little used, so I decided that one more try was all they deserved.
Didn’t get no “free” beads, and nothing was said about my mask. But that was no big deal. I really went for the grub and some suds, and because they have smoking. If the promo was another TGI Friday’s come-on, at least I might get a break during happy hour (although the menu and signage only leaves one guessing when happy hour really is). The e-mail said this event was from 4pm until closing, with no hint of any black-outs or other exclusions or disqualifications. I was there from about 6.30 to 8pm.
When it was all over and I got my bill, I tried to make sense out of it. Nothing was itemized, and the bartender only said that beers were $3 during happy hour and $4 otherwise, leaving the definition of “happy hour” still as elusive as ever.
My final conclusion was that I paid no less than full price for everything I ordered. It couldn’t add up any other possible way. So I am retiring my “stripes” card and unsubscribing from TGI Friday’s bait and switch list. If they ever want me back, I’m going to have to see some big changes.
—Paco Morratto 0287000001306745