Residents of cities in 12 states in the US must celebrate the start of the weekend somewhere other than TGI Fridays.
Casual restaurant chain TGI Fridays is closing 36 “underperforming” locations in the U.S. as part of a corporate growth strategy, the company said in a statement Wednesday.
The privately held company will also sell eight company-owned restaurants to Ray Blanchette, the former CEO of TGI Fridays, who served as CEO until last year, the company said.
Some employees at affected restaurants will have the opportunity to take positions at other locations. The chain said transfer options will be offered to more than 1,000 workers, more than 80% of employees at restaurants that are closing.
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The goal is to close 9 branches in major cities
The restaurant closures will affect approximately 1,250 workers, primarily concentrated in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Virginia.
“Our top priority has always been to provide a first-class experience for every single TGI Fridays guest, and we have identified opportunities to optimize and streamline our operations to ensure we are best positioned to deliver on this brand promise – and to “Exceed,” Ray Risley, U.S. president and chief operating officer at TGI Fridays, said in a statement. “By strengthening our franchise model and closing underperforming stores, we are creating an unprecedented opportunity for Fridays to advance its vision for the future.”
The sudden move follows a recent corporate restructuring at the casual bar and grill chain, including the appointment of Weldon Spangler as CEO following Blanchette's departure in May.
Below is a list of all TGI Fridays locations where restaurants will be closing:
- Fresno, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Longmont, Colorado
- Newington, Connecticut
- Ormond Beach, Florida
- Royal Palm, Florida
- Bowie, Maryland
- Columbia, Maryland
- Berlin/Marlborough, Massachusetts
- Danvers, Massachusetts
- Dedham, Massachusetts
- Mansfield, Massachusetts
- North Attleboro, Massachusetts
- Seekonik, Massachusetts
- Amherst, New Hampshire
- Albany, New Jersey
- Eatontown, New Jersey
- Hackensack, New Jersey
- Iselin/Woodbridge, New Jersey
- Marlton/Evesham, New Jersey
- Princeton, New Jersey
- Springfield, New Jersey
- Wayne Town Center, New Jersey
- Bay Shore, New York
- Hauppauge, New York
- Massapequa, New York
- Woodbury Township, New York
- Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Houston Almeda, Texas
- North Arlington, Texas
- The Woods, Texas
- Fredericksburg, Virginia
- Manassas, Virginia
- Springfield, Va
- Woodbridge/Potomac Mills, Virginia
Megan Cerullo
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