TGI Fridays Has A New Circus Themed Menu. Here's What You Can Expect
From now through June at participating locations across the country, TGI Fridays has transformed into a circus with activities and a menu to match. Operating under the name Under the Big Top, TGI Fridays explained in a statement shared with Mashed that the idea came with the arrival of spring temperatures. TGI Fridays conducted a survey in which half of the respondents expressed a desire for family-friendly entertainment, like fairs and festivals, as the weather grows warmer. Not to mention, 70 percent said that since the pandemic they're much more likely to dine outside.
"Under the Big Top was inspired by the pent-up demand to go back to restaurants and annual events that provide nostalgic and memorable experiences, like the state fair or the circus," Sara Bittorf, TGI Fridays Chief Experience Officer, said.
Foods available will include the Whiskey-Glazed Donut Burger, which features TGI Fridays' signature burger with cheddar, onions, pickles, and smoked bacon between glazed donuts. The Famous Whiskey-Glazed Skewer will include a kebab of three whiskey-glazed sliders and six wings. Of course, TGI Fridays is also offering a chicken sandwich in the form of the Flaming Donut Chicken Sandwich. The sandwich features fried chicken slathered with Nashville Hot Sauce and ranch dressing, pickled jalapeños, and bacon between two glazed donuts.
The circus theme extends beyond the menu to the parking lots where tents will be set up for an outdoor dining experience. Offered activities will include face painting and live music while Alfonso Ribeiro will star as the ringmaster for the campaign.
Under the Big Top will last through June 2021
The Under the Big Top celebration will also include exciting beverages, like the Fire-Eating Fireball Margarita, the Cotton Candy Cosmo, Grand Stand Beer, Truly Strawberry Lemonade, and a non-alcoholic Red Bull Strawberry Lemon Slush. You can end the night with a carnival-inspired dessert: Giant Churro Twists. For families who would rather stay home, Fridays offers to-go orders including alcoholic beverages in locations where local laws allow. Furthermore, contactless pickup is on offer during extended evening hours.
These extra measures come as the United States reaches over a year of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. As the TGI Fridays survey shows, about 50 percent of people are looking forward to dining outdoors and are craving the kind of fun that warmer weather brings. Still, health officials urge caution. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, stressed continued vigilance in a White House press briefing covered by ABC News: "Please stay strong in your conviction, continue wearing your well-fitted mask and taking the other public health prevention actions that we know work." This includes social distancing and getting vaccinated when it's available to you, according to the CDC.
Luckily, you can enjoy the over-the-top treats offered by Under the Big Top through either their outdoor dining tents at select locations or through online orders and pick up. It's possible to navigate both the rules of the pandemic and the geometry of the Flaming Donut Chicken Sandwich. TGI Fridays is more than happy to help.