TGI Friday's Shutting Down Locations Across America

Things aren't looking peachy for TGI Friday's as a whole. The brand is currently trying to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and has had to close locations in previous years, as well.

Now, according to Eatthis.com, TGI Friday's has announced that they will close the doors for good at 36 restaurants across America, and they are also selling nine locations to their former CEO, Ray Blanchette.

Blanchette has gotten involved with the brand again because he has a soft spot in his heart for it.

"I've spent the vast majority of my career here. It's an entire body of work. I don't want to see the brand go away," he says.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Blanchette made a $30.5 million bid to buy nine out of 39 bankrupt TGI Friday's locations. He also wants to take over the company's debt.

Blanchette wants to singlehandedly revive the brand that is about to be buried six feet under if changes aren't made.

The former CEO of TGI Friday's said the current state of the brand is a far cry from what it used to be.

"The casual-dining sector I grew up in was bursting at the seams. When someone got up to leave, I wanted another butt pushing down in that seat."

He is not exaggerating. There was once a time between TGI Friday's, Olive Garden, Applebee's and Chili's where you had to wait at least 30 minutes for a table, even on a weeknight.

It's unclear if we will ever get back to that point, especially at TGI Friday's, but if Blanchette can indeed save the floundering brand, that could be in the cards.

Ray Risley, the current TGI Friday's COO, thinks that the Friday's brand is salvageable.

"By strengthening our franchise model and closing underperforming stores, we are creating an unprecedented opportunity for Friday's to drive forward its vision for the future," he states.

24 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants

Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.

These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we're looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!

Let's take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.

Gallery Credit: Jess