Former TGI Fridays gets a $350K makeover by El Toro — and here’s what it looks like inside

The transformation from the former TGI Fridays is now complete, and El Toro Mexican Bar & Grill has opened its relocated restaurant fully to the public in the South Towne Center just east of the Dayton Mall.

The makeover from the previous tenant was ambitious: Enrique Alvarez, El Toro’s district manager, said the cost of renovations has exceeded $350,000. Here’s a look at the new restaurant, inside and out:

 

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El Toro closed its existing restaurant in the Shoppes at 725 at 2335 Miamisburg-Centerville Road across from the Dayton Mall shortly before opening at the former TGI Fridays restaurant at 2022 Miamisburg-Centerville Road in the South Towne Center.

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The South Towne Center location’s dedicated parking, and the restaurant’s larger size, were factors in the decision to relocate, Alvarez said. The TGI Fridays shut its doors for good in September 2017 after it was unable to negotiate a lease extension.

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Several Mexican-themed restaurant chains have been in expansion mode lately, but El Toro has been particularly active. In recent months, it has confirmed plans to build out a restaurant in the former Abuelo’s restaurant on North Fairfield Road in Beavercreek, opened a new restaurant in the Centerville Square Shopping Center in south Centerville, and announced plans to relocate one of its Springfield restaurants.

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“We’re investing in our communities,” Alvarez said.

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