TGI Fridays closes decades-old location but refuses to say why – customers face 30-mile drive to get to nearest store

TGI Fridays is closing another location after the company announced dozens of restaurants would close for good.

Foodies love TGI Fridays for its affordable appetizers, unique dishes and lively bar.

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Many fans were disappointed to learn that the only TGI Fridays in Mentor, Ohio — about 30 minutes outside of Cleveland — locked its doors for good last week.

The closed location is located at 7814 Reynolds Road, a TGI Fridays spokesperson told the local Fox affiliate. WJW.

Guests were last served on May 14, the representative said.

Mentor city officials told local reporters there were no plans for another company to take over the site.

The closest TGI Fridays restaurant to Mentor is now located about 30 miles away in Brooklyn.

Other TGI Fridays Locations in northeast Ohio include Canton, Stow and Strongsville.

MORE PENDING RESTAURANT CLOSURES

No reason was given for Mentor’s closure, but the company issued a Press release announcing that dozens of locations would close as part of the company’s plans.

“As part of the brand’s continued growth strategy, TGI Fridays will also close 36 underperforming locations in select areas. markets across the US,” the company wrote.

The statement did not specify which locations would be closed.

TGI Fridays currently operates 229 different restaurants in the United States and hundreds of other locations in other countries.

Part of the company’s strategy includes eight restaurants in the Northeast that will transfer corporate ownership to former CEO Ray Blanchette, the announcement said.

“Common history of deep involvement and unwavering trust in the Fridays brand, Mr. Blanchette brings an unparalleled understanding of the TGI Fridays business and the restaurant’s commitment to delivering excellence to guests,” the representatives wrote.

“After the sale is finalized, Blanchette will lead the locations into a new phase of revitalization.”

The impact of closures on employees was also addressed by the company.

“As part of the store closures, TGI Fridays is offering more than 1,000 transfer opportunities, which represents more than 80% of the total impacted employees,” the company wrote.

DIFFICULT TIMES FOR RESTAURANTS

TGI Fridays isn’t the only popular restaurant to announce large-scale closures across the country.

One competitor also told food fans to expect several “difficult decisions” in the coming months.

Dozens of Chili’s restaurants closed last year, including locations in Louisiana, California and Virginia.

And Tex-Mex hangout Tijuana Flats announced it would close 11 locations across Florida earlier this month.

Company representatives said FinanceBuzz that the restaurant filed for bankruptcy after suffering a steady decrease in profits.