MILLBURY, MA — A longtime casual dining spot at The Shops at Blackstone Valley has closed.
The TGI Fridays at 70 Worcester-Providence Turnpike announced on Tuesday that it would close "after much consideration" and thanked customers for their loyalty and support over the years.
"We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve you over the years and to be part of your celebrations, milestones and memories," the restaurant said in the message.
The restaurant was located at The Shops at Blackstone Valley, which bills itself as the largest open-air shopping center in Central Massachusetts.
TGI Fridays' Massachusetts location page now lists restaurants in Everett, Methuen and Stoughton, according to the company website. Millbury is no longer listed.
The closure comes amid a period of contraction for the chain. TGI Fridays Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024 to address legacy liabilities and explore strategic alternatives, according to a company announcement. The company said at the time that independently owned franchise locations were not part of the bankruptcy case.
TGI Fridays had also closed several Massachusetts locations in 2024, including restaurants in Dedham, Danvers, Mansfield, Marlborough, North Attleborough and Seekonk, according to CBS News Boston.
The closure also comes as The Shops at Blackstone Valley undergoes a major expansion.
Earlier this year, the shopping center unveiled plans for nearly 35,000 square feet of new retail space currently under development. Two new centrally located buildings are expected to bring about 10 new businesses to the outdoor mall.
Among the businesses already announced are Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, and LaserAway, a medspa chain specializing in treatments such as laser hair removal, facials, and Botox.
Developers said they are targeting completion of the base construction in mid-2026.
The Shops at Blackstone Valley is already home to several other stores and restaurants, including Applebee's, Dick's Sporting Goods and an Apple Store that opened last year. Apple relocated its store from Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough to Millbury in December.
Avvio Ristorante, an Italian restaurant that has operated in Cranston, Rhode Island, since 2016, is also expected to open at the shopping center this summer. The restaurant serves Italian dishes including pizza, pasta, sandwiches and entrees.
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