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Sometimes you're having a case of the Mondays, other times you're just barely surviving "Hump Day." All week we're all wishing it was Friday, the kickoff to the weekend and all-play, no-work time. And because none of us can can't fast-forward through time, you probably pop into TGI Fridays for that "Fri-yay" feeling. But there's so much you need to know about the chain before you make your next pick-me-up pit-stop.
1. It all started in 1965 in Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Believe it or not, the now ubiquitous chain began as a hoppin' cocktail bar in New York City. The idea came from founder Alan Stillman, who wanted to create a place for '70s singles to mingle and meet. Stillman told Edible Geography: "I wanted T.G.I. Friday's to feel like a neighbourhood, corner bar, where you could get a good hamburger, good french fries, and feel comfortable."
2. Flo Rida shot his video for "Hello Friday" at TGI Fridays.
Totally taking over the South Beach, Miami location for his shoot, rapper Flo Rida invited fans to join him at Fridays. Apparently he's obsessed with the chain and captioned his social media post: "We love that TGIF, word, yeah." So be on the lookout for that.
3. You can get endless refills on appetizers.
A new promotion for the chain, the Endless Apps Menu means you can get your plate of mozzarella sticks replenished as many times as you'd like for just $10. Or, if you want to venture to different dishes, you can try a series of apps for $12.
4. You can score happy hours deals all day and night.
At Fridays, happy hour is all day, every day. Most locations are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., which means you have 12 straight hours to drink on the cheap. Take advantage of daily cocktails that will only set you back between $4 and $6, plus big-brand suds like Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Lite, which are just $3. So, like, bring all your friends and toast to saving serious dough.
5. Potato skins are the most popular menu item.
First introduced way back in 1974, loaded potato skins are a customer favorite because of their awesome toppings like gooey melted cheese and crispy bacon. Plus, you can now get them on the Endless Apps Menu, which means you can literally eat them all night long like you've probably dreamed about.
6. Boozy brunch is now an option.
Mimosas are already just $5 at TGI Fridays on Sundays, but the chain is also testing out an official boozy brunch menu for its lineup. And we couldn't be more excited. The new "Hangover Brunch" menu includes chicken and waffles and bourbon steak and eggs—plus plenty of Bloody Mary cocktails.
7. You can pay at your table—from your phone.
With the launch of its proprietary smartphone app in 2012, TGI Fridays debuted an industry break-through. Customers can now pay at the table. You can even tip your server through it. All without the need for those pesky built-in tablets at each table like some chains have taken on.
8. It inspired one of the funniest tropes in Office Space.
Jennifer Aniston's character dons 15 "pieces of flair" on her green and white striped uniform, but her boss doesn't think it's enough, comparing her to an overly bubbly server, Brian, who's loaded up his suspenders with 37 pieces of flair for attitude and fun. It's a hilariously awkward scene that Office Space fans won't soon forget.
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9. And one of the best SNL sketches of all time.
Combining a recurring sketch about TGI Fridays servers with Molly Shannon's iconic Mary Katherine Gallagher character, Saturday Night Live put together a nonsensical story about a server-in-training. Our favorite part is the Lucky Charms shrimp dinner with "a side order of fun at no extra charge." Our second favorite: Will Ferrell as the manager who "goes the extra smile."
10. Since Office Space, the uniforms have totally changed.
In 2014, Office Space creator Mike Judge told Deadline that he believes the uniform change at TGI Fridays was a result of the '90s flick. "About four years after Office Space came out, TGI Fridays got rid of all that (button) flair, because people would come in and make cracks about it," he said. "One of my ADs [assistant directors] asked once at the restaurant why their flair was missing and they said they removed it because of that movie Office Space. So, maybe I made the world a better place." We're not sure about better but things are definitely different: Servers don't even wear the iconic red and white stripes anymore.
11. At Fridays, you can drink like George Clooney.
TGI Friday's was the first national chain to start carrying the actor's high-end tequila brand, Casamigos. Since last summer, the restaurant has been pouring shots and stirring it into drinks like the new—and super summery—jalapeño-strawberry margarita.
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