TGI Friday's In Freehold Closes Permanently

FREEHOLD, NJ — It's not every day you see a small, independently-owned business replace a chain, but it appears that's what happening in Freehold: The TGI Friday's restaurant in Rt. 9 has closed down and will likely be replaced by Tommy's Tavern + Tap.

This was first reported by the Asbury Park Press. The TGI Friday's shut its doors for several days now and a sign on the door says "Closed," they reported. The sign on Rt. 9 is also taken down.

If the Freehold Planning Board approves it, Tommy's Tavern + Tap will renovate space. They also plan to build a new outdoor dining area, a separate garden area and an outdoor dry bar. Tommy's Tavern + Tap opened their first location in Sea Bright, and then an outpost in the Staten Island Mall.

The TGI Friday's on Rt. 9 in Marlboro recently shut down, too; it will be replaced by a Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar, they reported.

Photo: Exterior of Tommy's Tavern + Tap in Sea Bright via Google Earth.