TGI Fridays Accused Of Selling Fake Premium Liquor In New Jersey

TGI Fridays locations in New Jersey have been accused of selling cheap booze as premium liquor.

State authorities busted 29 bars and restaurants in a sting dubbed “Operation Swill.” These establishments reportedly filled empty bottles of premium liquor with less expensive brands. These fake products were then sold to customers.

Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control said these restaurants, including several TGI Fridays locations, were attempting to increase their profits by selling the cheaper products at higher prices. According to The Star-Leger, the investigation into the bogus booze was launched after authorities received numerous complaints from customers.

Investigators managed to pinpoint the culprits through the use confidential informants and undercover detectives. New technology reported aided authorities in their quest to bust the perpetrators. The investigation took over a year to complete.

Authorities have yet to reveal which premium liquor brands were being faked by these restaurants. However, officials stated that inventories and records were confiscated during the sting.

Thirteen TGI Fridays locations were included in recent bust. The Associated Press reports that the company was working with the New Jersey franchisee accused to passing off cheap booze as premium liquor. A spokesperson for the restaurant described the allegations as “serious.”

“We have one of the most extensive bar and beverage programs in the industry, which sets a very high standard in the quality and service of our beverages,” TGI Fridays said in a statement.

The restaurants in New Jersey are owned and operated by The Briad Group. The company reportedly owns around 70 locations across seven states. Although several news organizations have reached out for comment, reps for The Briad Group have yet to comment on the situation.

Here’s a complete list of the restaurants accused of selling fake liquor.

Railroad Café, East Rutherford
The Brick House, Wyckoff
Sunset Tavern, Burlington
Graziano’s Ristorante, Chesilhurst
Villari’s Lakeside, Gloucester Township
Yesterday’s, Marmora
TGI Fridays, West Orange
Italian Affair, Glassboro
Bell’s Tavern, Lambertville
TGI Fridays, East Windsor
Brunswick Grove, East Brunswick
TGI Fridays, Old Bridge
TGI Fridays, North Brunswick
TGI Fridays, Piscataway
TGI Fridays, Freehold
TGI Fridays, Marlboro
TGI Fridays, Hazlet
Murray’s, Dover
TGI Fridays, East Hanover
Sona Thirteen, Morristown
Blackthorn Restaurant, Parsippany
Ruby Tuesday, Bridgewater
TGI Fridays, Linden
Café 34, Matawan
Applebee’s, Kearny
Cucina Calandara, Fairfield
TGI Fridays, Hamilton
TGI Fridays, Springfield
TGI Fridays, Clifton

What do you think about TGI Fridays getting busted for selling fake liquor to customers in New Jersey?

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