The story of how the casual restaurant chain TGI Fridays has shifted in American culture can, in some ways be told through two movies.
First, the 1988 film Cocktail.
A young Tom Cruise, at the height of his cool, starred as a college dropout who becomes a bartender.
You know how to make a red eye, Mr.
What's your name?
Brian Flanagan.
Sorry, I haven't had the pleasure as yet.
Tom Cruise's character learns how to mix drinks like a pro, doing flashy tricks as he makes cocktails.
And some scenes were filmed at A Friday's, which at the time was considered a gold standard of mixology.
The second film came out over a decade later.
Hey, guys, Office space.
What's up, G?
Wanna go to a Chachki's, get some coffee?
Part of the movie takes place in a restaurant that's a lot like TGI Fridays.
Called Tchotchkes.
It sits in a nondescript strip mall and has a big wooden bar and antique Tiffany lampshades.
But there's never many customers, and the staff is totally annoying.
So can I get you gentlemen something more to drink?
Or maybe something to nibble on?
Some pizza shooters, shrimp pops, or Extreme fajitas?