In Lehigh County, a hangout for burgers, wings, and other traditional American cuisine has closed.
According to a note on the door, TGI Fridays, a casual bar and grill company that serves “authentic American food and famous drinks,” has permanently shuttered its store at 395 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown.
The full-service eatery was open at Cedar Point's The Shoppes.
The sign that was placed said, "We regret to inform you that Fridays has made the painful choice to close its doors at Allentown, PA effective October 6, 2024." "Our Allentown restaurant team members and our devoted patrons have our sincere gratitude."
The last line of the letter states that the chain of restaurants "can not wait" to see customers at its neighboring establishments, which are located just outside of Quakertown at 10 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township and 4402 Southmont Way in Bethlehem Township. The cause of the Allentown restaurant's closing is unknown.
A company representative did not promptly respond to a mail asking for more details, including the reason for the closure. "The birthplace of fun, freedom, and celebration, bringing people together to interact and enjoy 'That Fridays Feeling,'" is how TGI Fridays describes themselves.
With more than 650 locations across 51 countries and a reputation for "serving high-quality, traditional American food and iconic drinks backed by authentic and genuine service," the chain has been improving people's lives for more than 50 years, according to a company description.
Highlights of the menu include the following: burgers and sandwiches: truffle burger, crispy chicken sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, and TGI Fridays' signature whiskey-glaze burger or chicken sandwich; entrees: fish and chips, Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta, whiskey-glaze fajitas, and a chicken al pastor bowl. Appetizers: loaded potato skins, margarita shrimp cocktail, pan-seared pot stickers, and TGI Fridays' signature whiskey-glaze sesame chicken strips. The sale of eight corporately owned TGI Fridays restaurants in the Northeast to former CEO Ray Blanchette was revealed in January. According to a press release, "Mr. Blanchette offers an unequaled understanding of the TGI Fridays business and the restaurant's commitment to providing excellence for guests." He has a history of profound participation with and unshakable faith in the Fridays brand.
TGI Fridays said in January that it would eliminate 36 underperforming outlets in specific U.S. areas as part of its continuous expansion strategy. TGI Fridays are intended to provide over 1,000 transfer possibilities as part of the shop closures, which equates to over 80% of the affected employees.
In the release, Ray Risley, the president and chief operating officer of TGI Fridays in the United States, said, "Our top priority has always been delivering a superior experience for each and every TGI Fridays guest. We have identified opportunities to optimize and streamline our operations to ensure we are best positioned to meet – and exceed – on that brand promise."
"We are offering an unparalleled opportunity for Fridays to further its vision for the future by enhancing our franchise model and shutting failing outlets." TGI Fridays arrived in Allentown as part of the shopping center's grand opening in 1996.
Numerous additional companies, including eateries like Pho*Nom1nal Vietnamese Cuisine and Bamboo Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar, are still located in the Weis-anchored complex.