TGI Fridays closes last location in Rochester market as part of downsizing

The Rochester market’s original and last TGI Fridays restaurant has closed permanently as part of a chain-wide downsizing.

A note taped to the front door of the location at 125 White Spruce Blvd. in Brighton, reads:

“We regret to inform you that Fridays has made the difficult decision to close our restaurant effective October 24, 2024. Unfortunately, we do not have a nearby location, but look for us in airports and other cities across the country. We are extremely grateful to our loyal Guests and Team members and will miss serving this community.”

In a statement in January, Fridays said it planned to close 36 “underperforming” locations in the United States as part of an “ongoing growth strategy,” but it didn’t say where or when.

It also stated it would sell eight locations in the northeast to former CEO Ray Blanchette. Six are in Massachusetts and two are in New Hampshire, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.

“Following the finalization of the sale, Blanchette will lead the locations into a new phase of revitalization,” the statement read.

“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,” Ray Risley, the company’s current president and CEO, said in the statement.

The Brighton Fridays, across from Monroe Community College, opened in 1978. Locations in Greece and Victor followed, and both are now closed.The Greece restaurant was the first structure built in 1992 as part of a $40 million project to link Long Ridge and Greece Towne malls and create The Mall at Greece Ridge.

The Victor location was on Route 96 just beyond Eastview Mall.

According to its website, the chain now has seven restaurants in New York state: in Yonkers, Westchester County; Islip, Farmingville and Riverhead, all in Suffolk County; Clifton Park, Saratoga County; Valley Stream, Nassau County; and Middletown, Orange County.

Fridays has not said anything about the Oct. 24 closings, which also occurred at Destiny USA, according to Syracuse.com; Amherst, Erie County, NBC TV affiliate WGRZ reported; and Wilton, north of Albany, according to ABC affiliate WTEN.

The first Fridays opened in 1965 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and is credited with inventing the singles bar. The brand later morphed into a family dining establishment offering an extensive menu of casual American cuisine.

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: TGI Fridays closes last location in Rochester NY as part of downsizing