2 Chain Eateries May Come To Darien

DARIEN, IL – Two chain restaurants are planned for the old TGI Fridays restaurant site in Darien.

The developer, Chicago-based Core Acquisitions, seeks to tear down the restaurant at 2201 75th St. at the Darien Towne Centre, which includes Walmart.

The new quick-service, drive-through establishments would be Dutch Bros Coffee and Andy's Frozen Custard, according to city documents.

According to the Arizona-based Dutch Bros, the chain has 1,136 locations across 25 states. The closest one is in Crownpoint, Indiana; a few others are downstate.

Springfield, Missouri-based Andy's Frozen Custard consists of more than 170 locations across 15 states. Eighteen are in the Chicago area, including in La Grange Park, Naperville, Bolingbrook and Orland Park.

The city's zoning commission plans to review the developer's plan at 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall.

In December 2024, the TGI Fridays restaurant in Darien shut its doors soon after the national chain filed for bankruptcy protection.

In 2008, the chain reached its peak with 601 restaurants. As of late 2024, it fell to 163. Now, it's at 70 locations in 19 states.

Illinois has three TGI Fridays restaurants – Chicago, Bedford Park and Effingham.