TGI Friday’s Comeback and Social Media Banter with Chili’s

Two well-known restaurant chains are engaging in a bit of social media rivalry. It seems that while one boasts a superior mozzarella stick, the other is facing some, well, not-so-great comments.

Chili’s Grill & Bar has been tweeting provocatively at TGI Friday’s since a recent Thursday. They’ve even shared some digs along the way.

TGI Friday’s posted, “Someone tells you to stay in your lane” on X, probably hinting at some competition.

Chili’s responded by tweeting, “@@ us next… Also, honestly, I didn’t know you were open yet. Congratulations!”

Interestingly, some Chili’s followers expressed disbelief that TGI Friday’s was still in business. One even said, “OMG, I think I just witnessed the murder,” while another remarked, “I can’t remember the last time I saw TGI Friday’s, except for the frozen section.”

Chili’s cheekily reacted with “oooopoop,” keeping things light-hearted.

But the followers remained focused on the big question: which restaurant is better?

TGI Friday’s has seen its footprint shrink to just 85 locations across the U.S.

One follower said to Chili’s, “They will never have a triple dipper, and for that reason, they will want you forever.” Another added, “I might have to get some Chili’s tonight for this tweet. I roasted them.”

Chili’s replied, “We bring fever! I hope to see you tonight.”

TGI Friday’s, while not directly replying to Chili’s on X, managed to join the conversation, asking if the “Cheese Pull Challenge is accepted or??”

In a twist, TGI Friday’s recently filed for bankruptcy, citing financial struggles worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

After an interesting thread, one of TGI’s followers tagged Chili’s, and TGI Friday’s replied, “We’re waiting too,” continuing the playful tension.

Both restaurants didn’t respond to requests for comments about their ongoing online spat.

Before this exchange, TGI Friday’s announced a new menu on X, claiming, “Mozz Sticks are bumping harder. Happy Hour Calls. Life is good.”

TGI Friday’s Attempts a Recovery

The chain is working hard to regain traction after a challenging period that led to numerous closures and a bankruptcy filing.

Having joined others in seeking bankruptcy protection in 2024 due to significant debts from the pandemic, TGI Friday’s has been restructuring.

The U.S. restaurant landscape has changed drastically for them, with active locations now down to 85—a considerable drop from the early days of 2024.

TGI Friday’s had to close over 20 restaurants, and during their restructuring, they sold 27 out of 39 corporate-run units to franchisees, moving toward a franchise-focused model. In January 2025, former CEO Rae Blanchett returned to guide the company.

Beyond menu improvements, TGI Friday’s is revamping its marketing approach. Blanchett emphasizes the shift towards engaging customers through social media rather than relying on traditional television advertisements, aiming to “change the voice of the brand, change it anew.”