Popular Restaurant Will Close a Third of Its Arizona Locations

Shockwaves from the pandemic shutdown are still being felt across Arizona. Another once-popular restaurant chain officially acknowledged its struggle to return to its previous glory.

TGI Fridays has been struggling for a while now. The chain of restaurants known for its loaded potato skins and upbeat, fun atmosphere announced it's trying to reorganize its finances to stay afloat, USAToday reports.

The pandemic hit them hard; like many restaurants and businesses, it just couldn’t bounce back.

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How Many TGI Fridays Will Close in Arizona?

Arizona currently has three locations across the state that are still in operation. With such a small number, closing one means that one-third of their locations will be out of business going forward. In Arizona, the Tucson location seems to be on the chopping block.

More TGI Fridays Closures

The restaurant chain suddenly closed about 50 locations nationwide just last week. While the pandemic can be blamed for many of the closures and reorganizations occurring with this restaurant chain, other factors are also at play.

READ: Will Walmart Close Arizona Stores This Year? What We Know

Dining habits and the way people order and eat food have been steadily changing since the end of the global shutdown. Consumers across Arizona and the rest of the nation lean more toward fast-casual or food delivery options.

The rise of food delivery apps, like Uber Eats and DoorDash have transformed dining habits.

The new model offers convenience and variety in the comfort of home. Many restaurants have adapted to the new protocol. They've optimized menus for delivery, changed food packaging, and focused on online customer service.

READ: The Reason Why Arizona Target Stores Will Close for Two Days

The shift was not natural for the chain since TGI Fridays' model is more in-person and customer service-oriented. Plus, TGI Fridays was already experiencing financial troubles before COVID-19 added to their woes.

It’s a tough time for the restaurant industry, but hopefully, TGI Fridays can turn things around.

Sources:  TGI Fridays official | KTAR News | usatoday.com | TGI Fridays Press Release  | cbsnews.com | McKinsey | It's All Goods, Inc.