A chain with a large footprint in the Garden State has abruptly shot down a slew of their restaurants as several TGI Friday’s across New Jersey have suddenly gone dark.
In a press release, TGI Friday’s announced that they were immediately closing 36 “underperforming” restaurants as part of an “ongoing growth strategy” following some changes at the company. Their New Jersey portfolio was hit particularly hard, as TGI Friday’s locations in Hackensack, Wayne, Princeton, Springfield, Eatontown, Iselin, and Marlton are now all 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,” said Ray Risley, US president and chief operating officer in the release.
TGI Friday’s re-tooled a bit over the course of 2023, with the brand changing up their menus significantly in October. The chain introduced four new appetizers, two salads and a bowl in addition to sushi options and adding non-alcoholic beer to the menu.
The chain also recently added a party and events service at their restaurant and doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. Even with the nationwide closings, TGI Friday’s still operates over 230 locations throughout the country, and 16 outposts are still serving customers in New Jersey.
