TGI Fridays — Restaurant in Concord

Ok, so this place has had its ups and downs to say the least, which is why we hadn't been there in like 8 months. The last time we were there actually is when the menu changed (YIKES!) and they offered Sushi, if you can believe it, so we knew someone at a "Chief" level was going to be updating his/her resume because no doubt they'd be fired soon.

It was a celebration for our daughter's birthday and she selected Fridays, so there we were in hopes of our local Fridays' to make or break a very special occasion for us all. WOW!! Can I just say that again, WOW!! This place has had a miraculous turn around! They corporate office must have sent down one of their top GMs to turn this place around because he met us to seat us and went out of his way to make sure we had a good seat - which is something that's super important to us since I'm picky and somewhat hard of hearing. He turned down the tv in the bar for us after I asked to have a table that was less loud.

Go on to say that the food has had a huge lift in the menu now makes SENSE for a Fridays and everything was super freshly made and hot upon arrival!! The ribs now have only 2-options which turned out to be a masterful corporate decision (GIVE THAT PERSON A RAISE!!) and with the patience of our server who took time to explain their new Apple Butter BBQ sauce I had an authentic BBQ ribs experience, the type one gets only by visiting Kansas City!! You probably think I'm hallucinating but you cannot go on the name of the sauce. The chef even put it under the salamander to make sure that the sauce melted to the ribs and made crispy burnt spots around the edges! OMG.

We tried the new 3-appitizer sampler, but couldn't decide on just three so got 2 sets, which was a great idea because everything on them was spectacular. You think I'm nuts for saying this but the pot stickers were 100xs better then anything we've eaten at Chinese restaurants in Concord or Manchester. Yes, for real.

I have to point out how CLEAN everything was too because the menus seemed new and void of sticky food residue (ehw!) and the backs of the chairs were super clean as were the plates and utensils.

Lastly I have to mention how happy we all were with our server! This young man was professional and knowledgeable AND attentive and friendly/helpful without being intrusive to our personal discourse which we'd had happen there in the past.

I'm flummoxed at the turnaround this place has made. In this day and age usually it's the norm to see places that struggle in many ways just close down, because bringing them back from the dead takes a tremendous amount of leadership from the top who then know how to hire the right people who then know how to put the right people in place onsite to manage and hire the right people. Suffice to say you should go back to Friday's because this place has way better food then the vast majority of the restaurants in the area. One more thing, my GI system notices when food isn't handled properly and I gave it the real test by having apps, sides, and dessert and had nothing but proper digestive for the next 24 hours.

You should try it if you think you're ready to check out their stellar new BBQ Apple Butter glace. It's way better than the ribs at Smokeshow. Guaranteed. ...

I’d like to preface this by saying we have regularly had lunch with zero issues during far busier times than tonight at this TGI Fridays. Our experience this evening was less than satisfactory. After waiting some time for our dinner, one order was cold, the other two lukewarm. We did send back the plate that was cold. The waitress did offer to have the order remade but we declined. Once we finished what food was edible, the waitress approached and apologized again. We thanked her and requested our check. At this point, she stopped and engaged in casual conversation with a couple at the table next to us. We could only assume they’re regulars as they were addressed by name and she spent a few minutes with them. Eventually we got our check, paid, and made our way out the door. I understand that things happen. Nothing is perfect. What I do not understand is why the manager on duty never made an effort to personally carry out decent customer service. We never saw his face. A simple conversation and an apology would have shown appreciation for our patronage and encouraged us to return. Instead we left feeling like troublesome customers, with no intention of dining there ever again. A phone call was made to the manager to express these concerns and the condescending tone and “customer service” fake apology was beyond insulting. We both have worked in the customer service industry and are well versed in working with dissatisfied customers....

I've gotta say this was an amazing experience for me, I've eaten the frozen foods from TGI Fridays and always had low expectations. Now when every person that you know is saying how TGI Fridays food is so good, its hard not to think then why isn't the frozen stuff good too? I tell you what, it's way worth getting in person. Don't expect some quick cheap meal but price point is pretty good for the quality of food that you get. Cheese pull, and flavor with a beautiful crunch makes their mozzarella sticks a great choice for the "safe" eaters, if your at the bar I suggest the warm pretzels. They are so soft and buttery and the white poblano queso it comes with makes you want to order more plus it's so tasty with a pint of Angry Orchard. I had to try their garlic parmesan wings and Buffalo and hot dang is it actually a nice flavor combo, the Buffalo even tasted like more than just hot. I didn't explore much on there entrees but the bucket of bones is great, a good plateful of seasoned fries and a half rack of ribs accompanied by even more wings in their whiskey glaze. So delicious and tender, even comes with an actual bucket for your bones. Highly recommend for food and a good experience with staff. The picture isn't even the full length of the cheese pull, and it didn't break. His arms are a good 3ft long or more...