TGI Fridays is turning up the theatrics in its dining rooms. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the casual dining veteran announced the launch of Fondue-It™, a new menu platform that allows guests to add a sizzling, tableside cheese pour to select dishes for an upgrade fee.
The move is part of CEO Ray Blanchette’s strategy to bring “experiential dining” back to the chain, transforming standard meals into Instagrammable moments.
The Deal: Sizzle & Pour for $3
For an additional $3, guests can upgrade specific menu items to the “Fondue-It” experience. The chosen dish arrives on a hot cast-iron skillet, and a server performs a tableside pour of warm, bubbly cheese sauce over the top.
The upgrade is available on five specific menu favorites, paired with one of two cheese sauces:
With Poblano Queso Fondue:
- Loaded Potato Skins: The classic appetizer gets drowned in extra cheese.
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich: Adding a Tex-Mex flair to the poultry staple.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: For the ultimate “cheese lover” experience.
- Big Queso Energy Burger: Doubling down on the queso profile.
With Alfredo Fondue:
- Truffle Mushroom Burger: A rich, white cheese sauce complements the savory mushroom flavors.
New Menu Additions: The FRRIB & Viral Cocktails
Alongside the cheese launch, TGI Fridays introduced two other significant menu innovations today:
- The FRRIB™: A direct nod to the McRib culture, this sandwich features a half-rack of ribs that are slow-cooked, grilled, pulled off the bone, and stacked on a warm sub roll with melted cheddar, caramelized onions, and Whiskey-Glaze. It was developed by team member Donald Willyard through an internal contest.
- Dubai Chocolate Espresso Martini: Capitalizing on the viral “Dubai Chocolate” trend (pistachio and knafeh), this cocktail mixes Absolut Vodka, Crème de Cacao, and espresso with pistachio syrup, served with a piece of Dubai-style chocolate.
Why It Matters
This launch targets three major trends in 2026 dining:
- Affordable Luxury: The $3 price point is an accessible upsell that changes the perception of the meal without breaking the bank.
- “Dinner and a Show”: As consumers become more selective about dining out, “theatrics” (like tableside pours) add value beyond the food itself.
- Viral Flavors: Both the Dubai Chocolate cocktail and the “cheese pull” aesthetic of the Fondue-It line are designed specifically to generate social media shares on TikTok and Instagram.
TGI Fridays will continue expanding this experiential dining strategy later in 2026 through its Fridays United FIFA World Cup 26 program, featuring matchday platters, Korean Rib Bites, and limited-time Casamigos margaritas across nearly 400 restaurants globally. While the Fondue-It launch focuses on tableside theatrics and viral menu moments, the upcoming World Cup promotion extends TGI Fridays’ engagement strategy through sports-themed dining experiences, shareable group formats, and globally themed flavor innovation.
FAQs
How much does the Fondue-It upgrade cost?
It is a flat fee of $3 added to the price of the base entrée.
Can I fondue any item?
Officially, the menu lists five specific items eligible for the upgrade, though individual locations may vary in their flexibility.
What is The FRRIB?
It is a new rib sandwich featuring de-boned ribs, Whiskey-Glaze, and cheddar on a sub roll.
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