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How TGI Fridays Became a Shell of Its Former Self

Once-trendy chain battles decline with closures and menu cuts.

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  • Product Development
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  • Chapter 1 Taking Risks & Making Profits
  • Chapter 2 Economics
  • Chapter 5 Forms of Business Ownership
  • Chapter 6 Entrepreneurship
  • Chapter 13 Marketing
  • Chapter 14 Product & Price
  • Chapter 15 Distribution
  • Chapter 16 Place & Promotion
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In the 1980s, the casual restaurant chain TGI Fridays skyrocketed to success thanks to its singles-bar atmosphere and talented bartenders who performed tricks while pouring drinks. As the company expanded, however, it rebranded into a family restaurant, starting a long decline for the once-promising brand. This video looks at the rise and fall of TGI Friday’s, which finally filed for bankruptcy this month after a long search for a savior.

Questions:

  1. How did TGI Friday’s change after it rebranded from a singles bar to a family restaurant? 
  2. Do you think TGI Friday’s and its franchisees will be able to turn the brand around after years of decline and bankruptcy? Why or why not?
Author: NickelsMcHughMcHugh