Buried in a release announcing the sale of eight of its corporate-owned restaurants in the North East to a former Chief Executive Officer, came news that a popular restaurant chain also closed 36 of its underperforming restaurants.

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TGI Fridays is more interested in talking about how their former Chief Executive Officer, Ray Blanchette, bought eight of their restaurants than the closures. I would assume because he believes it's a good investment opportunity for him, and well, if you're in the restaurant franchising business, that's a pretty cool endorsement.

Weldon Spangler, current TGI Friday's Chief Executive Officer had good things to say about where TGI Fridays is right now too. "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."

However, Ray Risley, U.S. President and Chief Operating Officer at TGI Fridays, had this to say about the company closing underperforming stores. "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."

So what TGI Fridays restaurants are closing, and are any of them in Missouri? According to CNN, the chain is closing 36 stores in twelve states, with the most closures happening in New Jersey, followed by New York and Massachusetts.

TGI Fridays doesn't have a large Missouri presence, with no stores in The Kansas City area. Three in the St. Louis area and one in Columbia. As of this writing, none of their Missouri locations are closing.

That said, just reading about TGI Fridays makes me nostalgic for the many Friday night or Saturday night dates Kathy and I shared there when we were dating. That said, I can't remember what either of us ordered, or why we liked it so much. (At this point, could that be part of TGI Fridays problem?)

For now, there doesn't seem to be any indication any of the Missouri restaurants are closing, but you might want to schedule a visit sooner rather than later just to be sure.

TGI Fridays Missouri Locations

TGI Fridays, Columbia, Missouri, 3030 I-70 Dr. SE.

TGI Fridays, Saint Louis, Missouri, 5262 S Lindbergh Blvd.

TGI Fridays, St. Charles, Missouri, 2000 S 1st Capitol Dr.

TGI Fridays, Fairview Heights, Illinois, 6900 N Illinois St.