Here in Coral Springs, we have a plethora of popular restaurants. We have Chili’s, Red Lobster, Bonefish Grill, Big Bear Brewing Company, TGI Fridays, Cheesecake Factory, and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. Many of these restaurants have been open for a year or even decades.
One of the restaurants that I mentioned was actually open for more than two decades and just recently announced that they are going to be permanently closed. They opened in 1985 and were located at 855 N. University Dr., right next to the Coral Square Mall. They were mainly known for serving wings, burgers, ribs, and cocktails; this restaurant is TGI Fridays.
Many people have the same question after hearing the news. Why did they close down? Or what was the reason? Well, they drew loyal customers for years, but some fluctuating dining habits and industry pressures/struggles caused problems for the restaurant.
The chain struggled to maintain relevance as consumer tastes shifted. The restaurants’ struggles reached a point of crisis in 2024. Its parent firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, operating 164 restaurants at the time. However, recent years saw a stark decline in the chain’s footprint, evidenced by CNN’s April report that fewer than 90 stores remained operational across the United States.
A note from management, which was left at the shuttered location, expressed gratitude to the community for their years of support and love. The message reads, “Thank you for the memories! This TGI Fridays location has proudly served the community for many wonderful years,”. “We are incredibly grateful for your loyalty, laughter, and unforgettable moments shared here.”
Daijah McCleandon, a sophomore from my school, Coral Glades High, quotes, “I’m bummed about them closing down because they sell the best wings.’. I agree with this quote because I have always found their wings to be delicious yet affordable.
Now, another quote that comes from Abigail Jerome, who is a freshman at Coral Glades High, quotes, “I’m really going to miss driving by them all the time. Plus I’ll miss their food, especially their burgers.”.
At their peak, Fridays were indeed one of many go-to destinations for America’s bar-and-dining. Before they closed, they were rated 3 out of 5 stars on Yelp, 3.7 on Tripadvisor, and 4.4 on Uber Eats.” Customer Anita R. visited in April 2024, and her review reads, “I was more than pleased with my treatment! I will definitely return”.
The closing marks another setback for the once-iconic casual dining chain. But, for Coral Springs, this restaurant closure definitely marks the end of an era for TGI Fridays, which was once a popular stop for celebrations, family dinners, and late-night drinks.
