TGI Fridays® discloses reason for closing 36 locations including 6 in Massachusetts, 3 in Bristol County

DALLAS – TGI Fridays® Wednesday announced the sale of eight previously corporate-owned restaurants in the Northeast to former CEO Ray Blanchette in addition to 3 dozen closures.

The sale follows recent moves to bolster TGI Fridays’ leadership team, including the recent appointments of Weldon Spangler to Chief Executive Officer, Ray Risley to U.S. President and Chief Operating Officer and Nik Rupp to President and COO of International and Chief Financial Officer.

“As we continue along our path of transformation to revitalize the Fridays brand and implement a long-term growth strategy, we see a bright future for TGI Fridays,” shared Weldon Spangler, CEO of TGI Fridays. “We are at the helm of a pivotal moment that will allow us to explore boundless advancement, expansion, and innovation to keep delivering “That Fridays Feeling™” that our fans know and love.”

As part of the brand’s ongoing growth strategy, TGI Fridays has also closed 36 underperforming locations in select markets across the U.S. As part of the store closures, TGI Fridays is offering more than 1,000 transfer opportunities, which represents over 80% of total impacted employees.

Among the closed locations are 3 in Bristol County including Mansfield, Seekonk, and North Attleboro. Dedham, Danvers, and Marlboro TGI Fridays® in Massachusetts were also closed.

“Our top priority has always been delivering a superior experience for each and every TGI Fridays guest, and we’ve identified opportunities to optimize and streamline our operations to ensure we are best positioned to meet – and exceed – on that brand promise,” shared Ray Risley, U.S. President and Chief Operating Officer at TGI Fridays. “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.”