T.G.I. Fridays in Auburn closes doors

AUBURN — Casual food and drink chain T.G.I. Fridays closed its Twin Cities’ restaurant Sunday.

The Turner Street restaurant was closed due to business reasons, according to a company statement.

“This was a very difficult decision, as we understand the impact it has on our guests who enjoyed dining at our restaurant and on our team members who worked there,” the company said in its written statement through national PR firm Burston-Marsteller. “We’re working with our team members to provide job assistance and appreciate and thank our guests for visiting Fridays in Auburn over the years.”

When it opened in January 2007, the restaurant had 96 employees and seated 160. Like others in the chain, it was decorated with local memorabilia, antiques and sporting equipment.

The Auburn restaurant was company-owned, and not a franchise. The company declined to comment on the fate of the building.

The T.G.I. Fridays chain is owned by Carlson, a worldwide travel and hospitality company. In addition to more than 930 T.G.I. Fridays in 60 countries, the company operates hotels under the Radisson, Country Inns and Suites, Park Inn and Park Plaza names. It’s also the majority owner of Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

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