TGI Fridays opening new restaurants again. Are any coming to Ohio?

After closing its last standalone Ohio restaurant, TGI Fridays may have another chance at a comeback.

TGI Fridays announced a plan to open five new restaurants over the next three years as it moves from post-bankruptcy to expansion mode. The move is TGI Fridays’ first U.S. development deal in more than a decade and part of the company’s turnaround plan to grow to more than 1,000 locations globally by 2030, according to a press release.

Is TGI Fridays coming back? Here’s what we know so far.

Where is TGI Fridays opening new restaurants? Are any coming to Ohio?

The company says it plans to open five new Fridays restaurants across New York state. No new Ohio locations have been announced.

TGI Fridays says the move is part of its “1-2-3 Strategic Vision,” a growth plan focused on franchising and partnerships with experienced operators. The company aims to reach $2 billion in annual revenue and grow to more than 1,000 locations worldwide by 2030. The company partnered with franchise operator Bliss Bites LLC to open the new restaurants.

“Guests are increasingly looking for casual dining that delivers real value without sacrificing experience, and Fridays is well positioned to meet that demand as we grow,” said Ashley Kirkley, Chief Operating Officer of TGI Fridays in a release.

Are there any TGI Fridays restaurants in Ohio?

Ohio’s last remaining standalone TGI Fridays, in Brooklyn, permanently closed Aug. 31 after 27 years, Cleveland Scene reported.

However, Ohio enthusiasts may still have a chance to visit TGI Fridays at Cedar Point at Hotel Breakers in Sandusky, which is open seasonally. Since it’s a licensed restaurant within the resort, it is generally not considered a standalone TGI Fridays location and not listed on TGI Fridays’ official store count.

Other locations outside the state can be found through the chain’s location tracker.

Why did TGI Fridays file for bankruptcy?

The chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024 and cited financial challenges post-pandemic.

“The primary driver of our financial challenges resulted from COVID-19 and our capital structure,” said Rohit Manocha, Executive Chairman of TGI Fridays Inc. “This restructuring will allow our go-forward restaurants to proceed with an optimized corporate infrastructure that enables them to reach their full potential.”

Despite the downsize, TGI Fridays still operates nearly 400 restaurants in almost 40 countries.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: TGI Fridays opening new restaurants again. Are any coming to Ohio?