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

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

What to Know
By Mark Fisher
June 20, 2019
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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:

PHOTOS: Inside the new El Toro Bar & Grill in the former Dayton Mall TGI Fridays

  

>> Why did TGI Fridays shut down its Dayton Mall restaurant? 

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.

>> Centerville Ohio is becoming a HOTBED of Mexican restaurants

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.

>> Former Abuelo's in Beavercreek to reopen soon as an El Toro Mexican restaurant

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.

>> Nurses at Bellbrook El Toro restaurant rush to help infant

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

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About the Author

Mark Fisher, a 1981 graduate of Ohio State University and a 1976 graduate of Beavercreek High School, is a third-generation Dayton-area resident who has worked for the Dayton Daily News since 1983. He covered higher education and K-12 education accountability issues for nearly 20 years before taking over the food and dining beat in 2006.