The TGI Fridays in Monroe stands empty in a deserted parking lot Tuesday, Jan. 4.
Syndication: Times Herald-Record
(Wayne, NJ) — TGI Fridays is abruptly closing 36 underperforming restaurants. The nearly 60-year-old restaurant chain said the move is part of the company’s “ongoing growth strategy.” Prior to the closings, there were about 270 locations in the U.S. 12 locations across New York and New Jersey have shut for good. Workers say they were surprised to find themselves unemployed. The chain says it did offer about 80% of the workers laid off, a chance to move to other locations. It’s not clear how many took them up on the offer.
TGI Fridays says the closures include some movement in it’s executive ranks, and the selling of some restaurants back to its former CEO.