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TGI Fridays just shrunk its national footprint.
Earlier this week, the company announced the closure of 36 underperforming restaurants in selected markets across the U.S.
Locally, this led to the closure of establishments in Bay Shore, Hauppauge, and Massapequa. Two other New York locations were also closed — one in Westchester in Woodbury Township and the other in Albany. Additionally, eight locations in nearby Massachusetts shut down.
In a statement, TGI Fridays explained that these closures are part of the company’s ongoing growth strategy, focusing on optimizing and streamlining operations.
Ray Risley, U.S. president and chief operating officer at TGI Fridays, 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.”
As part of the announcement, TGI Fridays revealed that former CEO Ray Blanchette purchased eight corporate-owned locations in the Northeast. These locations include six in Massachusetts and two in New Hampshire, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
“Blanchette brings an unmatched understanding of the TGI Fridays business and the restaurant’s commitment to delivering excellence for guests. Following the finalization of the sale, Blanchette will lead the locations into a new phase of revitalization,” reads a statement from the company.
With the closures in 2024, the Dallas-based company stated that they have offered more than 1,000 transfer opportunities, impacting over 80% of employees affected.
TGI Fridays left on Long Island
On Long Island, the remaining TGI Fridays outposts are in Riverhead, Farmingville, Central Islip, Westbury, Levittown, Rockville Centre, and Valley Stream.
At least one former TGI Fridays has done very well as a second restaurant after a remodeling. The old Fridays near the Walt Whitman Mall in Huntington Station was transformed into The Bryant, which is owned and operated by Poll Restaurants.
Stay tuned to discover what’s next for the Bay Shore, Hauppauge, and Massapequa locations.
Top: Signage for a TGI Fridays location. (Credit: Viktor Forgacs)
