

Discount retailer Big Lots files for bankruptcy
The discount retailer Big Lots has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it blames high inflation and interest rates.
Straight Arrow News
Casual dining chain TGI Fridays filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Nov. 2, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the drivers behind its financial challenges.
It’s the latest bankruptcy declaration for national chain restaurants, like Red Lobsterwhich has since exited bankruptcy.
The Chapter 11 filing came after weeks of reports of the chain’s financial troubles. It closed nearly 50 restaurants nationwide in late October before declaring bankruptcy. And, in January, 36 locations were also shut down.
TGI Fridays did not respond to the Journal Sentinel’s requests for comment on if any Wisconsin locations were part of either round of closures.
How many TGI Fridays are in the U.S.?
There are 162 TGI Fridays locations in the U.S., according to the chain’s restaurant locator.
CNN reported that there were 270 total locations at the beginning of 2024.
Where are TGI Fridays locations in Wisconsin?
The chain’s restaurant locator indicates that two restaurants are in Wisconsin, though it does not appear to be accurate. The TGI Fridays in Appleton closed for good in mid-September.
That leaves the last TGI Fridays location in Wisconsin in Madison, at 2502 E. Springs Drive. But, technically, the closest location to Milwaukee is in Gurnee, Ill., at 6577 Grand Ave.