Tenant profile

TGI Friday's

Located on the first floor of Trade Centre South, TGI Fridays is one of Champaign's favorite dining establishments. Residents from the community as well as University of Illinois students enjoy the lively atmosphere of this popular eatery and watering hole. The Champaign franchise has been remodeled to the chain's contemporary style, featuring wallpaper, granite exteriors, and red-and-white striped lamps instead of Tiffany. The exteriors have stucco, the entrance doors have "F" shaped handles, and a metal cup above the door has a stripe saying "In Here, It's always Friday".

Friday's history: The Friday's restaurant chain was founded in 1965 in New York City, featuring standard American cuisine, bar food, and alcoholic beverages. The restaurant was located at the corner of 63rd Street and First Avenue. The exterior featured a red-and-white striped awning, and blue paint, and the interior included wooden floors, Bentwood chairs, and striped tablecloth. The bar area added brass rails, and stained glass. The employees were young male actors and wore wacky hats, and every time someone had a birthday, the entire restaurant crew came around with a cake and sang Friday's traditional birthday song.