Tommy’s Tavern & Tap is launching its first outpost in Ocean County.

The Jersey Shore-born regional restaurant chain recently announced plans to open next spring at 1279 Hooper Ave. in Toms River.

Founded in 2015 by the late Thomas “Tommy” Bonfiglio and his wife Yvette Bonfilgio in Sea Bright, the spot quickly became known for its specialty wings, burgers, coal-fired pizza, sushi, salads and sandwiches, as well as an extensive craft beer menu, whiskey offerings and specialty cocktails.

The 2025 NJBIZ In the Lead 2025 Family-Owned Businesses honoree has since expanded to 14 other locations across three states. Locally, it can be found in Wayne, Freehold, Clifton, Bridgewater, Edison, Princeton, Morris Plains, Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, Edgewater and Sea Girt.

Tommy’s Tavern & Tap will add a restaurant soon at Ledgewood Commons in Ledgewood, too.

In Toms River, the chain is taking over space previously occupied by TGI Fridays. The location is among those nationwide that closed in the wake of the popular casual dining brand’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in November 2024.

Other local TGI Fridays’ restaurants that have gone dark include Eatontown, Brick, Hazlet, Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, North Brunswick, Piscataway, Watchung, Hackensack, Wayne, Iselin/Woodbridge, Eatontown, Springfield, Princeton, Marlton, Franklin, East Brunswick and Old Bridge.

Prior to filing for bankruptcy, TGI Fridays had about 270 locations in the U.S. As of October, only 82 sites remain.Within New Jersey, the restaurants in Burlington Township, East Windsor, Linden, Manahawkin, Turnersville and West Orange continue to operate, according to TGI Fridays’ website.