Fans of loaded potato skins and Jack Daniel's sauce will have to find a new spot to indulge as TGI Fridays is set to shutter 36 of its "underperforming" locations across the United States. Among the soon-to-be-gone eateries are four from the Lone Star State, including spots in Houston and The Woodlands, the Houston Chronicle reports.
This decision is part of a strategy the company believes will invigorate the franchise model. However, it seems to abruptly leave thousands of Houston-area weekend warriors to marginally fend off the mundanities of life elsewhere. Bidding adieu to local favorites, a note at the Houston Chronicles announced, “We regret to inform you that Fridays has made the difficult decision to close our doors at Houston Almeda, TX effective Jan. 2, 2024.” The gesture of thanks toward loyal patrons and team members feels a touch hollow as one stares into the "404 error" abyss where the restaurant's information used to be.
The aim to "deliver a superior experience for each and every TGI Fridays guest" could be challenged by the closures. Ray Risley, U.S. President and Chief Operating Officer at TGI Fridays, said in a statement obtained by CBS MoneyWatch, "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 recent pivot to sell eight corporate-owned restaurants back to former CEO Ray Blanchette, who, according to the company, served as chief executive until last year, seems to slightly mitigate the bruising corporate shuffle. The chain is committed to offering over 1,000 transfer opportunities to the staff at the impacted locations. Yet specifics on how these transitions will actually unfold remain as vague as their promises of a revitalized brand and brighter future.
The list of closures is extensive, impacting folks in not only Texas but stretching to California, Colorado, Connecticut, and beyond. Cities such as Bowie, Maryland, and Fredericksburg, Virginia, will see their TGI Fridays locations turned to memories, as detailed by a company-provided list to CBS MoneyWatch. For Houstonians mourning the loss of their Gulf Freeway hangout, they're directed to pack up their appetites and head to nearby locations on FM 1960 Road and U.S. Highway 59 in Humble – at least for now.
