Year Established: 1965
Store Closures: 36*
In early 2024, in a surprise announcement, TGI Fridays announced the closure of 36 underperforming locations across 12 states, framing it as part of its growth strategy. Additionally, eight northeastern corporate-owned restaurants were sold to former CEO Ray Blanchette.
The closures affected New Jersey most, with 7 restaurants shutting down, followed by Massachusetts with 6, and New York, Texas, and Virginia each losing 4. Over 1,000 employees were offered transfers, covering 80% of those impacted. Notably, the closures included the last two Fridays in Colorado, in Denver and Longmont, marking a significant shift for the dining chain.