Not to be a negative person, but I've always thought it was a bad omen for a chain restaurant when it goes under in Rockford.

That's not to say anything negative about my town or the people I live with, but we're a Midwest city.

Typically, if we like something, we'll support it forever.

That can be said especially for restaurants, so when I saw T.G.I. Fridays close-up shop years ago on Perryville Road; I thought they were doomed.

Closed sign in a shop window
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Business Signage
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Fridays haven't closed everywhere in America, but the number of restaurants open for business is shrinking.

While there are still 14 Illinois T.G.I. Fridays locations, that's different for the rest of America.

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Geek Spin is reporting T.G.I. Fridays will close 12 locations as "financial woes deepen."

TGI Fridays logo and slogan on their restaurant in Leicester
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Permanently closed TGI Fridays in Islandia, New York in 2024
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Locations that closed are in Virginia, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, Michigan, and Minnesota.

The one closest to home is in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.

Going back to what I mentioned about T.G.I. Fridays' impending "doom," Geek Spin says the restaurant has faced "a significant challenge as customers increasingly turn away from traditional casual-dining brands," adding that T.G.I. Fridays has "shuttered nearly half of its U.S. restaurants."

It's a shame but a reality in our world, as places like Applebee's and Red Lobster have faced significant challenges in the rapidly changing restaurant climate.

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