Longtime Popular Restaurant Chain Closes 6 Massachusetts Locations

You've heard their slogan on radio and TV..."In here, it's always Friday." But it happened on a Wednesday. Friday will no longer be Friday, at least not these famous casual- dining chain spots. So, what longtime popular restaurant chain is closing 6 Massachusetts locations. It's the beloved TGI FRIDAYS! It's been a favorite pre-movie theater dining destination for my family for years.

Which TGI Fridays locations are closing, and which one are left? You are about to find out. According to Boston 25 News, the 6 restaurants that suddenly closed on Wednesday (January 2) were "underperforming." I mean, couldn't they have waited until a Friday? The news outlet reached out to the company that owns Fridays and were told that, in all, 36 "underperforming corporate locations in the United States have closed."

The 6 spots in Massachusetts that will no longer be serving up comfort food and deals include Danvers, Dedham, Mansfield, Marlboro and North Attleboro. That's a lot of restaurants, a lot of jobs and a lot of people relying on those paychecks. However, the company did say it's "offering more than 1,000 transfer opportunities, which represents over 80% of total impacted employees," as stated in the Boston 25 article.

"Come for the food, stay for the fun," that slogan will still hold true at TGI Fridays in Braintree, Boston, Everett, Methuen, Millbury and North Dartmouth. These locations will remain open, according to TGI Fridays.  You can still get your $20 beer buckets, 50 cent wings from 5:00-close, and gametime grub! But my favorite has always been their potato skins! One of the few places you can still get those.

It feels a little like the end of an era is coming to some towns. Full disclosure, I'm sad this restaurant chain is closing in Massachusetts, at least at these locations But maybe the remaining locations will be shown the love with some upgrades and marketing. I could go on, but all I can think about is Friday's basket of warm bread sticks. Here's to hoping all the displaced employees find work soon, and the remaining TGI Fridays remain in tact.

Why do we love chain restaurants? Here are some thoughts on that:

Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.

Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee's, Chili's, and Denny's are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee's, Chili's, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It's worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including "your house," family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.

Whether it's a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?

According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.

The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn't until the late '90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.

Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it's all about eating a meal.

There's something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that's why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee's. So, let's chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.

One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you're in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it's there. It's that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.

For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It's like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.

Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef's specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn't want to feel like we've emptied our pockets for a single meal. That's why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.

Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you've got more than four people in your party. Unless you've made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone's a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.