TGI Fridays Announces Closure of yet Another Location amidst Companywide Shutdowns

Yet another TGI Fridays restaurant is facing closure, adding to the recent string of shutdowns across the company.

This time, the downtown Buffalo location, situated at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Buffalo-Downtown, is set to shut its doors.

New Restaurant to Replace TGI Fridays

Despite enduring a recent wave of closures, TGI Fridays in downtown Buffalo, located at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Buffalo-Downtown, is set to close.

After its closure, the Buffalo, New York branch has already secured a successor for the restaurant space.

Buffalo Hotel Associates LLC, connected with Visions Hotels Inc. and owner of the Holiday Inn, has informed the City of Buffalo about its intention to seek a liquor license for a new dining venue at the 601 Main St. location.

A legal assistant from the law firm representing the company has confirmed that a fresh restaurant will take the place of the departing TGI Fridays.

According to Irish Star, this isn't a one-time event. TGI Fridays has closed many locations in the past year. By January 2024, the chain had shut down 36 struggling stores across 12 states.

CEO Weldon Spangler explained that these closures are part of a bigger plan to improve operations and "refresh the Fridays brand."

Alongside these closures, TGI Fridays shared intentions to sell eight previously corporate-owned restaurants in the Northeast to Ray Blanchette, the company's former CEO.

TGI Fridays will offer "over 1,000 transfer opportunities" to support employees affected by closures. This move aims to help more than 80% of impacted workers.

Before these changes, TGI Fridays had a global presence with 650 restaurants, including 237 in the United States.

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TGI Fridays Shut Down Mentor Location

TGI Fridays is closing another spot after announcing multiple restaurant closures.

Franchise Herald recently reported that fans were dismayed that the only TGI Fridays in Mentor, Ohio, roughly 30 minutes from Cleveland, permanently closed last week.

A spokesperson for TGI Fridays confirmed the closure at 7814 Reynolds Road to local Fox affiliate WJW. The last guests were served on May 14.

Mentor city officials stated no plans for another business to take over the location.

The nearest TGI Fridays to Mentor is now in Brooklyn, about 30 miles away. Other northeast Ohio locations include Canton, Stow, and Strongsville.

No reason was provided for the Mentor closure, but TGI Fridays announced the shutdown of several restaurants as part of its plans.

In a move aligned with its strategy, the company plans to transfer ownership of eight restaurants in the Northeast from the corporation to Blanchette.

The announcement highlighted Blanchette's deep involvement and strong belief in the Fridays brand, emphasizing his unmatched understanding of TGI Fridays business and commitment to delivering excellent service to guests.

Once the sale is completed, Blanchette will lead these locations into a new phase of revitalization.

The local restaurant closed its doors as city officials revealed no immediate plans for new business. Other locations in northeast Ohio are still open.

Meanwhile, Taco John's shuts down in Marshall, Minnesota, building up for sale. Tex-Mex chain files for bankruptcy, shutting 11 locations in April.

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