A New Mediterranean Eatery Moves Into Queens’ Old TGI Fridays

FOREST HILLS, NY — The signs are up, and change is brewing on Austin Street—a new local restaurant is ready to move into one of Queens’ favorite dining stretches.

Zara Austin, a Mediterranean and Turkish grill, is set to open soon at 70-00 Austin St. in Forest Hills, taking over the former TGI Fridays that closed in October 2024.

In early 2025, the owners of Zara Austin finalized a long-term lease for the entire ground level, totaling more than 8,600 square feet, of a two-story property on Austin Street.

The Mediterranean and Turkish eatery plans to open in the following months, adding to a busy corridor already home to major names like Target, Starbucks, Chipoltle and Shake Shack.

Zara Austin builds on the success of its Staten Island counterpart, which is known for its fresh, authentic take on Mediterranean favorites such as kebabs, mixed grills, and various lamb and chicken dishes.

While it hasn’t been confirmed whether the Forest Hills location will mirror the menu from Staten Island, visitors can likely expect a similar spread of Mediterranean classics. That includes grilled kebabs, gyros, seafood, and steaks, along with fresh salads and small plates such as stuffed grape leaves and babaganoush.

The restaurant will also feature a range of breakfast options, including Turkish-style scrambled eggs with fried tomatoes and peppers, shareable platters served with coffee, and familiar favorites like pancakes, waffles and avocado toast.

An official opening date for Zara Austin has not yet been announced. For updates and more information, visit the restaurant’s website.