The News
TGI Fridays has launched Fridays United™, an experience designed to celebrate the Global Soccer Tournament. The initiative runs through August 31 and includes new menu items, exclusive beverages, and interactive elements. The menu features Matchday Bites starting at $8.99, including Wing Bites, and other offerings tailored for fans watching matches.
When the world’s biggest soccer stage lights up, a nearly‑400‑restaurant chain tries to make the game feel like a local watering hole. TGI Fridays’ new “Fridays United™” menu isn’t just another limited‑time offer; it is a calculated play that ties a premium tequila partnership to a consumer trend showing the bar program can ride a global event while keeping the barrel in hand.
The column’s purpose is to cut through the hype and let operators see what this launch really means for their on‑premise mix, inventory cadence, and marketing spend. It isn’t about how many fans will come to watch the game; it is about whether those fans will order a Red Card margarita or a $5 draft and how that translates into case rotation and pour cost.
Bar managers should recognize that the Casamigos‑powered “Red Card” and “Yellow Card” margaritas are a premium, energy‑drink‑infused cocktail line that can lift average check size. The partnership signals that TGI Fridays sees tequila growth as a lever: with U.S. tequila and mezcal volume up 12.3% in 2024, the margin on a $13 margarita can be higher than a standard beer or wine pour, especially if the promotion’s “free appetizer” perk drives larger orders. Set up a dedicated station for these drinks, train staff on the energy‑drink mix, and monitor how many of those margaritas move beyond the event window—if they do, that inventory can feed off‑premise sales in the same region.
Distributors will note that the promotion is premises‑only and limited to August 31. Because the new items are not part of a wholesale distribution agreement, there is no immediate case‑level demand for the Casamigos line from distributors. However, on‑premise beer sales account for roughly 25% of total U.S. beer volume, so the $5 draft and $20 bucket deals could be critical in driving traffic during match days. Keep a close eye on how many bars run those promotions—volume spikes can create short‑term demand for other beer SKUs as well, even if margins are thinner.
Consumers who come looking for an “event‑themed” menu will find the digital soccer game and the free appetizer offer appealing. According to a 2024 consumer survey, 68% of U.S. shoppers say they’re more likely to visit restaurants that offer limited‑time event menus. That data gives the promotion a built‑in audience: if you can deliver a smooth pour, a lively atmosphere, and a taste profile that matches the energy drink craze (32% market share for Red Bull in 2025), you’ll see higher foot traffic and potentially repeat visits even after the tournament ends.
The real takeaway is that TGI Fridays has leveraged category tailwinds—tequila growth and consumer affinity for event menus—to create a menu that can lift average check while still fitting within the existing bar program. The partnership with Casamigos, the energy‑drink infusion, and the $5 draft deals are tactical choices that can be replicated or scaled across other locations if the promotion proves successful.
For operators looking to emulate this model, the lesson is clear: pair a high‑margin premium spirit with a consumable that drives check size, back it with an experiential hook that keeps fans engaged, and monitor the on‑premise beer lift to see whether those volume plays pay off. The data points—12.3% tequila growth, 25% beer share, 68% consumer preference for event menus—are not just buzz; they’re the yardsticks that will tell you whether a limited‑time launch can become a permanent fixture in your bar’s rotation.
Original Press Release
TGI Fridays®, where the world goes to celebrate, is bringing people together across the globe with the launch of Fridays United™, a celebratory experience that positions Fridays® as the ultimate matchday destination to enjoy the largest cultural moment of the year – the Global Soccer Tournament. Available now through August 31, Fridays United™ delivers an immersive lineup of new menu items, chant-worthy exclusive beverages, and an interactive experience designed for the way fans watch, cheer, and connect.
"Fridays United™ represents everything we stand for at TGI Fridays® – bringing people together to celebrate life's biggest moments," said Ray Blanchette, Chief Executive Officer at TGI Fridays®. "The Global Soccer Tournament is more than just a sporting event; it's a cultural phenomenon that unites fans across continents. Through our new menu offerings and interactive game, we've designed every element to fuel genuine connections and deliver the kind of experiential dining that keeps guests coming back to celebrate with us."
Built for the Way Fans Watch
The Fridays United™ menu features fan favorite combinations designed for social viewing –perfect for grabbing, passing and enjoying during the matches. Whether guests are enjoying bites for themselves or sharing platters with the table, the limited-time offerings are made to bring comfort, connection, and cheer.
Matchday Bites starting at $8.99 – Perfect to enjoy between sips while watching matches:
Wing Bites: Six bone-in, or eight boneless wings, tossed in your favorite sauce, served with seasoned fries and a side of dipping sauce.
Chicken Finger Bites: Three crispy chicken fingers, sauced your way, served with seasoned fries and your choice of dipping sauce.
Slider Bites: Three juicy cheeseburger sliders, served with seasoned fries.
NEW Korean Rib Bites: Four Korean-style sticky ribs, slow-cooked, and then fried for a crispy finish and glazed in a Korean BBQ sauce, served with seasoned fries.
Matchday Platters starting at $14.99 – Designed for sharing and built to satisfy every craving at the table:
All-Star Platter: Six boneless wings, two cheeseburger sliders, and loaded fries.
Goal Line Platter: Eight wings, three chicken fingers, and golden onion rings.
Loud & Loaded Nachos: A returning fan favorite featuring six tostada halves layered with refried beans, seasoned beef, jalapeños and melted cheese. Served with tortilla chips & poblano queso, plus a trio of guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo.
Captain's Platter: Crispy cod and six golden shrimp served with coleslaw and seasoned fries.
Limited-Time Beverages in Partnership with Casamigos® starting at $12.99
Fridays® has partnered with Casamigos® to bring two new limited-time margaritas to guests who want to toast a goal or commiserate after a loss:
Red Card Margarita: Casamigos Blanco Tequila, fresh agave sour and grenadine, topped with Red Bull White Peach for a bold, refreshing kick.
Yellow Card Margarita: Casamigos Blanco Tequila, passion fruit and fresh agave sour, topped with Red Bull Energy Drink for a bright, tropical finish.
Additional beverage offerings include the Goooal Shooter ($5)– a smooth blend of vodka, triple sec, and lemon – and the 4-Citrus Mock-Arita ($7), an alcohol-free option with fresh citrus, agave, and sparkling grapefruit soda.
Throughout the program, Fridays® will also offer $5 select Drafts and $20 select Beer Buckets.
Enhanced Guest Experience
Fridays United™ introduces a new digital soccer game where Guests can step into the action with an interactive goal kick mobile game, testing their aim and timing to hit targets, score points, and climb the leaderboard. New Fridays Rewards® members can also receive a free appetizer (up to $15) with entrée purchase when they sign up during the program. Fridays United™ will also feature a fun kids' activity booklet to help keep younger fans engaged throughout the program. Additionally, Fridays® has recently launched its new app making it easier than ever for Guests to earn rewards, access exclusive offers, and stay connected to the Fridays'® experience.
Book your seat now and bring the family to experience Fridays United™ at your nearest TGI Fridays® location. For more information, visit www.tgifridays.com.
Follow TGI Fridays® on Social:
Instagram: @tgifridays
TikTok: @tgifridays
Facebook: TGI Fridays
About TGI Fridays® Founded in 1965 as the world's first casual bar and grill, TGI Fridays® is where the world goes to celebrate. Operating nearly 400 restaurants in almost 40 countries, Fridays® brings people together through its craveable American classics, legendary cocktails and that unmistakable Fridays® feeling - all brought to life by its rockstar teams. Whether it's full-service dining or bold-format convenience, TGI Fridays® franchise-first approach, operational excellence, and brand power are built to scale. Franchisees are supported by global hubs in Dallas, Dubai and London, complemented by regional resources in select markets. Visit www.tgifridays.com for more information, join Fridays Rewards®, and follow TGI Fridays® on social media: Instagram @tgifridays, Tik Tok @tgifridays, Facebook TGI Fridays, and LinkedIn TGI Fridays.
Media Contact TGIFridays@icrinc.com
Sources consulted (web research):
- Tgi Fridays Brings Fans Together With Fridays United For Soccers Bigg…
- Matchday Menu
- Tgi Fridays United Soccer Celebration
- Tgi Fridays New Menu Bold Flavors Fan Favorites
Source: PR Newswire