The TGI Friday's location in Fresno that has been open for 45 years abruptly closed this year. Photo by Estela Anahi Jaramillo

After 45 years at the corner of Herndon Avenue and First Street, TGI Fridays closed its doors for good on Tuesday, one of dozens of underperforming stores getting the ax across the country.

But not before doing one last gesture for the community.

There are 36 TGI Fridays locations on the chopping block across the U.S., according to a news release from the Dallas-based restaurant chain.

Community members lined up in the cold Wednesday morning for an opportunity to receive kitchen supplies the closed Fresno restaurant was offering for free. Employees placed the items in crates and boxes behind the restaurant for people to grab. 

 

Some local nonprofits got first pick, employees on the scene said.

Those who lined up Wednesday could also see a crew preparing to remove the famous “Fridays” signage from the building. 

TGI Fridays was known for its classic American food, cocktails and televisions full of sports. Fresno’s closure means around 40 employees out of a job. Past employees shared recollections of their time at the restaurant on Facebook. 

“Our top priority has always been delivering a superior experience for each and every TGI Friday’s guest,” shared Ray Risley, U.S. president and chief operating officer at TGI Fridays. “By strengthening our franchise model and closing underperforming stores, we are creating an unprecedented opportunity for Fridays to drive forward its vision for the future.”

The now shuttered Fresno TGI Fridays announced late Wednesday night on its Facebook page that it would be giving away restaurant items ranging from cookware to tableware starting at 10 a.m. Thursday morning.