T.G.I. Friday's Showcases Renovations at Grand Re-Opening in Farmingville

Following recent renovations in its Farmingville location, the T.G.I. Friday's will be hosting a grand re-opening party to celebrate its new design and various new menu items.

Long Island native comedian Wali Collins will be emceeing the event, which will kick off at 9:30 p.m. in the bar area. The entertainment will continue with appearances by “flairtenders” from the Friday’s World Bartender Championship, who will be performing their bottle-tossing and drink-making routines. To top it all off, Zonin will be providing a Prosecco toast for guests 21 years of age and over.

Artie Grillo, service manager of the Farmingville location, emphasized that the restaurant’s structural changes reflect the new management team’s dedication to presenting customers with a true dining experience rather than a fast-food atmosphere.

“In this economy, we’re filling a niche,” said Grillo. “People want to take their families out to eat at a nice place, but they don’t want to spend a ton of money. We provide them with the opportunity to do this.”

The renovations include the elimination of many of the walls inside the restaurant, connecting the bar and dining areas that were previously held separate.

 “We’ve both brightened and opened up the space,” noted Grillo. “No matter where you sit, you feel like you’re a part of the action.”

The changes also include television screens in the dining area and a near-doubling of the number of available booths, contributing to the location’s new pub-like feel. The restaurant has traded in its wall collection of antique items in favor of various paintings, photographs, and one mural of various New York landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building.

Although the renovations took approximately six weeks to complete, most of the work was completed overnight and the restaurant was able to remain open.

In addition to its structural renovations, the restaurant recently expanded its menu to include items such as the Parmesan-Crusted Crab Salmon, Balsamic Glazed Chicken Caesar Salad, and Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Sandwich, as well as the new 2 for $10 menu. The restaurant has also added to its drink menu with new concoctions like the Jackberry Smash and On Thin Iced Tea, and has added to its stock of premium liquors.