This Legendary Restaurant Just Closed 30 of Its Locations—Here’s What's Happening

TGI Fridays is continuing with its plan of closing over 30 underperforming locations this year in an attempt to accomplish its ongoing growth strategy. The decision came to light amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings in November of 2024, which ultimately has led to the closure of 30 more locations across the United States. Specific restaurants in New York, New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts and Ohio are all expected to receive the axe this year.

As of today, it has been reported that four restaurants in Las Vegas (The Orleans, Sam’s Town, Aliante and Gold Coast) have officially closed as of January 2025, and they happened to be the last ones left in the Vegas area entirely.

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Over in Long Island, New York, two TGI Fridays locations in Farmingville and Riverhead closed their doors in January as well. A note left on the Riverhead location's door reads, "We are extremely grateful to our loyal guests and our team members at our Riverhead restaurant. Unfortunately, we do not have a nearby location but look for us in airports and other cities across the country.”

While Hagerstown, Maryland closed its doors on January 24, former TGI Fridays CEO Ray Blanchette actually bought up eight of the corporate-owned TGI Fridays to implement revitalization plans of his own.

“This isn't rocket science. You have to sell people a good time," Blanchette told the Wall Street Journal.

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And in a January press release, TGI Fridays CEO Weldon Spangler had this to say:

“As we continue along our path of transformation to revitalize the Fridays brand and implement a long-term growth strategy, we see a bright future for TGI Fridays. We are at the helm of a pivotal moment that will allow us to explore boundless advancement, expansion, and innovation to keep delivering 'That Fridays Feeling™' that our fans know and love."

While news of these closures may come across as abrupt to some, it is a necessary means to an end for the brand. The company is reportedly offering 1,000 transfers (impacting 80-percent of employees) to other locations as well as negotiating a “Transition Services Agreement” (TSA) with TGI Fridays Inc. This agreement will not only provide interim funding to TGI Fridays Inc., it will also maintain a support service system for franchisees while TGI Fridays Franchisor, LLC works on implementing its new, long-term support structure.

"Our top priority has always been delivering a superior experience for each and every TGI Fridays guest, and we've identified opportunities to optimize and streamline our operations to ensure we are best positioned to meet–and exceed–on that brand promise," Ray Risley, U.S. President and Chief Operating Officer said. "By strengthening our franchise model and closing underperforming stores, we are creating an unprecedented opportunity for Fridays to drive forward its vision for the future."

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