Exciting New Eatery: Tommy’s Tavern + Tap Takes Over TGI Friday’s in Toms River

Tommy's Tavern + Tap opening first Ocean County restaurant

Exciting New Eatery: Tommy's Tavern + Tap
Takes Over TGI Friday's in Toms River

Next spring, Tommy's Tavern + Tap will launch its first location in Ocean County, occupying the Hooper Avenue location of the old TGI Friday's.

With three Tommy's locations in the Monmouth County municipalities of Sea Bright, Freehold Township, and Wall that debuted in November, this will be the 16th Tommy's establishment in New Jersey, New York, and Delaware.

Tommy's Tavern + Tap is owned and operated by Triple T Hospitality Group, whose CEO, Tim Selcov, stated, "We've been seeking for years in the market." The restaurant site on bustling Hooper Avenue became available after TGI Friday's closed in February. As Selcov put it, "We leaped on it."

"It's official," the restaurant announced on Instagram. "Tommy’s Toms River. opening spring 2026."

Including the restaurant and bar, Tommy's will feature roughly 250 seats spread across 7,000 square feet. According to Selcov, it will request approval from the local Planning Board to make a minor extension to the structure, which would offer 50 more seats for both indoor and outdoor dining.

The eatery bills itself as a "polished sports bar," and its three menus include sushi, pizza, and tavern fare.

According to Selcov, a large portion of Tommy's clientele already originates from the Toms River and Brick region. "This would do extremely well in the market over there, and we've been hearing for a while that they need something closer."

At the Brook 35 shopping development on Route 35 in Wall, the new Tommy's Tavern + Tap has been "very warmly received," according to Selcov. "We are certain that it is the ideal market for us."

Check out their menu.