It was back in March 2000 that the Evening Express announced the TGI Friday’s takeover of the former Daytona Exchange down at Aberdeen Beach.
The chain, which started in New York in 1965, expanded the seaside venue as it aimed to make a splash in an oil-rich Granite City awash with disposable income.
Its arrival came just three years after the Queens Link Leisure Park opened in the late 1990s, and there was a buzz about new venues like TGI’s and Frankie and Benny’s.
Queens Links Leisure Park shortly after it opened. Image: DC Thomson
In that first summer of 2000, our reviewer popped along to the The US-themed diner and was wowed by the huge American-style burgers and New York Strip steak.
Over the next 24 years, TGI Friday’s would become a popular night out destination.
But on Wednesday, September 18, it was announced that it could be the latest casualty at the seaside.
TGI Friday’s has entered administration, with sites all over the UK up for sale.
We’ve had a look through our archive to find 10 pictures taken at the spot over the years:
DJ Neil Weightman and Scottish and British Minor Snowboard champion Ben Kilner were the first guests. Image: DC Thomson
Stuart Plewa, Clare Scott and waitress Fiona Rodgers in 2003. Image: Amanda Gordon
Eating out at TGI Fridays on the Queens Links Leisure park about 20 years ago. Image: Michael Traill/DC Thomson
Do images like these bring back fond memories of TGI Friday’s in Aberdeen? Image: DC Thomson
A different view of the venue in 2006. Image: Amanda Gordon/DC Thomson
Another busy night shortly after it opened. Image: DC Thomson
There were celebrations as Barack Obama became US President in 2009. Image: Peter McKibben, Fiona Fowler, David Bruce, Fheona Findlay and Ian Kellock
Peter McKibben, Fiona Fowler and Ian Kellock raise a glass to Obama.
TGI Friday’s at Aberdeen Beach. Image: DC Thomson
Here is how the venue looked during lockdown. Image: Chris Sumner/DC Thomson
Do you have fond memories of TGI Friday’s at Aberdeen Beach? Let us know in our comments section below
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TGI Friday’s Aberdeen: Look back at seafront venue as future at risk after 24 years
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