City residents in 12 states across the U.S. will have to celebrate the start of the weekend somewhere other than TGI Fridays.
Regular chain restaurants TGI Fridays The company said in a statement that it is closing 36 “underperforming” locations across the United States as part of the company's growth strategy. statement Wednesday.
The privately held company will also sell eight company-owned restaurants to former TGI Fridays CEO Ray Blanchett, who served as CEO until last year, the company said.
Some employees at the affected restaurants will have the opportunity to transition to roles at other locations. The chain said more than 1,000 workers, or more than 80% of the employees working at the restaurants that will be closed, will be offered transfer opportunities.
Nearly 1,250 workers will be affected by the restaurant closures, which are concentrated in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Virginia.
“Our top priority has always been to deliver an outstanding experience for every TGI Fridays guest, and we have identified opportunities to improve and streamline our operations to ensure we are best positioned to deliver on and exceed this brand promise,” Risley, U.S. president and chief operating officer of 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 surprise move follows the company's recent shake-up at the casual bar and grill chain, including the appointment of Weldon Spangler as CEO following Blanchett's departure in May.
Below is a list provided by the company to CBS MoneyWatch detailing all TGI Fridays locations where restaurants will be closed:
- 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
- Islin/Woodbridge, NJ
- Marlton/Evesham, NJ
- 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 Almeida, Texas
- (North Arlington, Texas).
- The Woodlands, Texas
- Fredericksburg, Virginia
- Manassas, Virginia
- Springfield, Virginia
- Woodbridge/Potomac Mills, Virginia
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