TGI Fridays closes once-popular Connecticut location after string of nationwide closures
Casual dining chain TGI Fridays announced a nationwide restructuring initiative this week, culminating in the closure of 36 underperforming restaurants. While specific locations were not initially disclosed, the company later confirmed on its official Twitter account that one Connecticut establishment, the Newington location at 3025 Berlin Turnpike, is included in the closures.
Here, they wrote: ‘Unfortunately, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the TGI Fridays in Newington on January 2, 2024. It’s been our privilege to serve that community.’
This decision impacts only one of Connecticut’s six TGI Fridays outlets, with the remaining restaurants in Enfield, Hamden, Manchester, Orange, and Waterbury continuing operation as per the company’s website. A spokesperson for TGI Fridays validated that Newington is the sole Connecticut location affected.
Massachusetts witnessed a larger impact, with six of its eleven TGI Fridays restaurants shutting down. This news aligns with the broader announcement, indicating that the closures target specific markets deemed commercially unsustainable.
TGI Fridays has a long and storied history in the United States, dating back to 1965 when the first restaurant opened in New York City. Founded by Alan Stillman, it is estimated that the chain restaurant has over 200 locations in the USA and more than 600 across the world. However, this number may be starting to shrink based on recent news.
