TGI Fridays to launch New York-inspired bar and restaurant 63rd+1st
Inspired by the original Fridays founded in 1965 in Manhattan by salesman lan Stillman on the corner of 63rd Street and 1st Avenue - and which featured in the Tom Cruise film cocktail - the first venue under the new brand will open in Cobham on 8 January 2021.
The new bar and restaurant will have a bar as its central focal point with space for 96 covers inside and an additional 20 covers outside.
It will serve a New York influenced menu with brunch available seven days a week.
The move marks what the company describes as a “visible departure” from the Fridays brand and will be designed to have the feel of a Manhattan loft with exposed brickwork, polished concrete, reclaimed timber flooring and bespoke fittings that hark back to the sixties.
“This is an exciting time for the Fridays business and a reflection of our long-term commitment to growth,” says Fridays CEO Robert B. Cook.
“We have seen a credible performance this year, despite the challenges of Covid-19.
“We have been agile, responsive, and continued to innovate throughout 2020 and this is a further demonstration of our ambition.”
The company says the new brand has been developed in response to customers becoming accustomed to the members club and boutique hotel style environments where they can work, rest and socialise.
“They are seeking local day to night venues that have a community vibe, where they don’t need to travel long distances to be able to enjoy the company of like minded people.”
In 1987 Tom Cruise filmed in the original restaurant and was trained by Fridays bartenders for the film Cocktail.
Further 63rd+1st restaurants will launch across the UK in 2021.
