A place where we shouted “Thank God It’s Friday!” and enjoyed the liberation of the week. A place that excited us with cheerful service from staff dressed in red and white striped uniforms and exotic dishes. This is the story of ‘TGI Fridays.’ However, recently, news came that TGI, once a symbol of joyful Fridays, has filed for bankruptcy protection. A bittersweet feeling washes over us, as if a cherished page of happy memories has been torn away. Today, using TGI’s news as a starting point, we will embark on a long journey through the birth and evolution of the ‘family restaurant’ that shared special moments in our lives.
# The Exciting Beginning: The Birth of the ‘Family Restaurant’
Do you remember the 1980s and 90s, when the word ‘dining out’ itself was special? A place you had to drive a bit further to reach. When you opened the door, staff greeted you in English, lively pop songs played, and the place was filled with fascinating dishes you had never seen before. That was the family restaurant.
Starting with ‘Coco’s’ in 1988, ‘TGI Fridays,’ ‘Outback Steakhouse,’ and ‘Bennigan’s’ opened one after another. These places were not just spaces to eat. They were venues to experience Western culture and coveted spots reserved for special occasions like birthdays or graduations. Back when telecom company cards offered 50% discounts, these restaurants were the top choice for meeting friends.
# Why Did the ‘Friday’ That Seemed Eternal Fade Away?
The era of family restaurants, which seemed to last forever by our side, began to fade gradually in the 2010s. TGI’s bankruptcy was a symbolic event marking the end of that era. What exactly pushed them into crisis?
## The World Changed, But Restaurants Stayed the Same
- The meaning of ‘family’ changed: Although family units were the main customers as the name suggested, society rapidly shifted toward single-person households. Eating alone in places dominated by 3–4 person set menus became quite uncomfortable.
- The era of ‘gourmet spots’ began: Family restaurants used to be synonymous with ’exotic flavors,’ but the world changed. Through social media, information about gourmet spots worldwide is shared in real time, and unique small restaurants have sprung up on every street corner. Standardized menus and interiors lost their appeal.
- An awkward position: Consumers started turning to cost-effective ‘fast casual’ dining or ‘premium dining’ offering unique experiences. The family restaurant’s ‘in-between’ pricing and service lost their place.
The COVID-19 pandemic poured fuel on this fire. With reduced dining out and the rise of delivery culture, the burden of maintaining large spaces and many staff grew exponentially for family restaurants. Ultimately, TGI could not bear this weight and collapsed.
# Dreaming of a New ‘Dining’ Amid Waves of Change
Of course, not all family restaurants follow the same path. Some, like ‘Outback,’ have overcome the crisis with a ‘premium’ strategy by using fresh meat instead of frozen and developing upscale signature menus, entering a third golden age. This shows that survival depends on how well one adapts to changing times.
The departure of TGI Fridays marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. We no longer dine within fixed frameworks. We can enjoy meals alone, as a pair, or even with friends connected online.
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Though our joyful ‘Fridays’ may fade into memories, the laughter and stories shared there remain in our hearts, adding excitement to our steps as we seek new ‘gourmet spots.’ What was your favorite family restaurant in your memories?