While the TGI Friday's brand might not exactly inspire awe in food critics, the fast food chain's flashy new Android app's functionality is undeniably impressive.
It has all the standard features you'd expect from an app of this sort (e.g. finding directions to a local Friday's, checking out the chain's menus, and placing orders); however, it also has one notably unique feature: the ability to pay your bill. Powered by a service called Tabbedout, Friday's app lets you create "tabs" of items you'd like to order, before paying the tab directly from your phone. By default an 18% tip is included, though this can be changed.
Unfortunately, it seems the app is currently undergoing some compatibility issues - look what comes up for Artem:
My tests produced similar results - neither my EVO 3D nor my ASUS Slider were able to install the app; indeed, my only Friday's-compatible gadget was a DROID 3 review unit which was sent back to Motorola over half a year ago.
Still, if you want to check and see if your device is compatible, the info you'll need is below, followed by TGI Friday's official PR.
[EMBED_APP]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goanyware.tgif[/EMBED_APP]
CARROLLTON, Texas, April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether celebrating the liberating feeling of Friday by sipping a Jackberry Smash while mingling at the bar or indulging in craveable dishes like the Spicy Craft Beer Cheese Burger, paying the tab at T.G.I. Friday's® is fast and easy with the new T.G.I. Friday's Mobile App for iPhone and Android. The app is the first from a casual dining chain that gives guests the ability to start a tab, keep track of it and pay directly from their phones when ready to call it a night, making it easier than ever to enjoy Friday's.
"This new app puts the Friday experience at guests' fingertips - whether they're looking for the closest Friday's to celebrate and indulge or if they want to pay their bar tab quickly," said Ricky Richardson, chief operating officer at T.G.I. Friday's.
The app provides Friday's guests with convenience, ease-of-use and seamless integration into the dining experience. In addition to the quick pay and location finder functions, the app allows guests to extend the social life of the bar to their online networks where they can share updates from happy hour, check out special drinks and menu promotions and learn about the latest happenings at their local Friday's restaurant.
The app, whose unique mobile payment functionality is powered by Tabbedout, was developed in a joint collaboration between the mobile solutions company, Carlson IT, Illume Mobile and The Richard's Group's Click Here, Inc. The app technology automatically integrates with Friday's point of sale software, MICROS, enabling a seamless transaction for both consumer and staff without the need for additional hardware.
T.G.I. Friday's also has enhanced the mobile experience for other smartphone users, recently launching a new website design that provides a mobile-friendly experience with full functionality.
"The launch of the T.G.I. Friday's app is only the beginning for us in this realm. We look forward to continuing to enhance the digital experience and new mobile app with more functionalities to come," said Richardson.
Smartphone users can now go to Apple App Store or the Android App Market to download the free app. Pay at the table functionality is available at more than 300 participating Friday's restaurants.
For more news and updates from T.G.I. Friday's, consumers can follow the brand on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TGIFridays), Twitter @TGIFridays and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/tgifridays). For any additional information, visit www.fridays.com.