TGI Fridays is closing another location as the company continues to announce the permanent shutdown of dozens of its restaurants.
Known for its affordable appetizers, signature dishes, and lively bar atmosphere, TGI Fridays has been a favorite among food lovers for years. However, recent closures have left many customers disappointed and searching for the nearest location to satisfy their cravings.
TGI Fridays Closes Mentor Location Permanently
Many fans were disappointed to learn that the only TGI Fridays in Mentor, Ohio-about 30 minutes outside of Cleveland-closed its doors last week.
A TGI Fridays spokesman confirmed the closed location, at 7814 Reynolds Road, to local Fox affiliate WJW. According to the representative, guests were served for the last time on May 14.
Mentor city officials told local reporters there were no plans for another business to take over the location.
The nearest TGI Fridays to Mentor is now Brooklyn, about 30 miles away. Other TGI Fridays locations in northeast Ohio include Canton, Stow, and Strongsville.
No reason was given for the closure of the Mentor location, but TGI Fridays issued a press release announcing that dozens of its restaurants would be shutting down as part of the company's plans.
"As part of its growth strategy, TGI Fridays will shutter 36 underperforming locations in various markets across the US," the company announced. The statement did not disclose the specific locations that will be impacted.
TGI Fridays operates 229 restaurants across the United States, with hundreds more in other countries.
The company's strategy includes transferring ownership of eight restaurants in the Northeast from the corporation to former CEO Ray Blanchette.
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Mr. Blanchette, with his extensive involvement and steadfast belief in the Fridays brand, offers an unparalleled understanding of the TGI Fridays business and its dedication to providing exceptional service to guests," the announcement stated.
"After the sale is finalized, Blanchette will guide these locations into a new era of revitalization.
The impact on employees was also addressed. "As part of the store closures, TGI Fridays is offering more than 1,000 transfer opportunities, representing over 80% of total impacted employees," the company stated.
Nationwide Restaurant Closures Continue
TGI Fridays are not the only well-known restaurant chain that has announced widespread closures, per The U.S. Sun.. A competitor warned food lovers to expect several "tough decisions" in the coming months.
In the past year, dozens of Chili's restaurants have closed, including locations in Louisiana, California, and Virginia. Tex-Mex chain Tijuana Flats announced earlier this month that it would close 11 locations across Florida.
Representatives from Tijuana Flats told FinanceBuzz that the company had filed for bankruptcy due to a steady decline in profits.
Furthermore, Representatives for TGI Fridays told Fox's local affiliate in Orlando, WOFL, that 36 restaurants will close in 2024.
Some of the closures include locations in Fresno, CA, at 1077 E Herndon Ave; Longmont, CO, at 125 Ken Pratt Blvd; Denver, CO, at 8104 Northfield Blvd; Newington, CT, at 3025 Berlin Turnpike; Ormond Beach, FL, at 24 Ocean Shore Blvd; and Royal Palm Beach, FL, at 580 N State Rd 7.
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