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TGI Fridays Closes Dozens of Restaurants. Across the U.S., 36 TGI Fridays restaurants have been closed, while eight have been sold to the company's former CEO, Ray Blanchette, NPR reports. According to the company, Blanchette "will lead the locations into a new phase of revitalization". "Our top priority has always been delivering a superior experience for each and every TGI Fridays guest, and we've identified opportunities to optimize and streamline our operations to ensure we are best positioned to meet – and exceed – on that brand promise.", "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.", Ray Risley, U.S. President and Chief Operating Officer at TGI Fridays, via statement. Over 1,000 transfer options are being offered for 80% of affected staff. "As we continue along our path of transformation to revitalize the Fridays brand and implement a long-term growth strategy, we see a bright future for TGI Fridays." , "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.", TGI Fridays CEO Weldon Spangler, via statement. 237 TGI Fridays locations remain in the U.S. after the recent store closures, NPR reports. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT