SIX TGI Fridays locations have abruptly closed, and the CEO says 36 more stores are on the chopping block.

Customers in Massachusetts were greeted with a note informing them that the restaurants were permanently closed.

Signs were posted on the doors of the restaurants, all with the same message.

"We regret to inform you that as of January 2, 2024, this Fridays location has closed," the note read.

"We are extremely grateful to our loyal Guests and to the staff. We invite you to visit our other Fridays locations in Stoughton and Braintree. We look forward to serving you there."

The closures make up nearly half of the TGI Fridays locations in the state.

READ MORE STORE CLOSURES

TGI Fridays said in a statement that the locations were closed due to underperformance.

"As part of the store closures, TGI Fridays is offering more than 1,000 transfer opportunities, which represents over 80% of total impacted employees," the statement read.

The affected locations will include those in Fresno, California, and Corpus Christi, Texas.

Eight other locations were sold to former CEO Ray Blanchette, a longtime stakeholder who will acquire the previously corporate-owned restaurants.

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The sale comes as major changes have been made to the brand's leadership, including the news of Weldon Spangler being made CEO.

"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," said Spangler in a statement.

"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."

Ray Risley and Nik Rupp were also appointed to leadership roles in the brand.

Risley was named the company's US President and Chief Operating Officer while Rupp was appointed to President and COO of International and Chief Financial Officer.

"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 Risley.

"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." 

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