TGI Fridays Closes More U.S. Restaurants, Shutters Dozens of Locations Nationwide in 2024
TGI Fridays is once again facing significant challenges as it continues to close locations across the U.S., with at least a dozen restaurants shutting down in just the last month, according to a report in Restaurant Business.
These closures are part of an ongoing struggle for the iconic casual-dining chain, which has seen a dramatic decline in its presence in recent years. Currently, Long Island is home to about seven TGI Fridays locations, and thankfully, there are no new closures announced on the island, yet.
The latest round of closures primarily affected establishments on the East Coast, Southeast, and Midwest. This recent wave comes approximately ten months after the chain closed 36 underperforming locations, including three right here on Long Island: Bay Shore, Islandia, and Massapequa. The decision to close these restaurants was attributed to poor performance, reflecting a broader trend affecting casual dining as consumers increasingly shift their dining preferences.
As of now, TGI Fridays operates around 215 locations across the U.S., down from more than 600 just a few years ago. This dramatic contraction is a clear indicator of the challenges facing the chain.
As TGI Fridays continues to navigate its financial restructuring, including a proposed acquisition by U.K. franchisee Hostmore PLC that fell through , Long Island remains unaffected by the latest wave of closures. Signs posted at closed locations across the country mention a “difficult decision” but offer no further explanation, leaving the future of the iconic brand uncertain.
For Long Islanders, the focus is now on the local TGI Fridays that remain open, as the casual-dining chain continues its efforts to revitalize its brand through store closures, franchise restructuring, and attempts to return to profitability.
Photo: Google Maps.
