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TGI Fridays, the popular American restaurant chain, has closed 12 of its locations across the United States in the past month. This comes after the company had already shut down 36 underperforming locations earlier this year. The recent closures took place in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest regions, affecting states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota.
The closures were confirmed by the company's location section on its website. However, TGI Fridays did not respond to requests for comment or clarification on the recent closures from various news outlets.
In addition to the U.S. closures, the restaurant chain also shuttered 35 locations in the United Kingdom. Despite the closures, TGI Fridays still operates 215 locations in the U.S.
Earlier this year, the company sold eight of its corporate-owned restaurants to its former CEO, Ray Blanchette. At the time, the company stated that this was part of a long-term growth strategy to ensure viability.
TGI Fridays Chief Operating Officer Ray Risley said in a press release, "We've identified opportunities to optimize and streamline our operations to ensure we are best positioned to meet – and exceed – on that brand promise. 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."
The closures come as many once-popular chain restaurants struggle to attract new customers. Other restaurants that are closing locations across the nation include Burger-Fi, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Boston Market, Pizza Hutt, and Cracker Barrel.