The TGI Fridays location in Orlando, which is now closed and available for leasing.
Orlando bids farewell to TGI Fridays as the restaurant faces eviction due to nonpayment of rent and the parent company’s bankruptcy. The site will be leased to a new tenant, promising future developments in the city’s dining landscape. This transformation follows a trend within the area, highlighting ongoing changes in Orlando’s restaurant scene.
In a significant turn of events, the bustling city of Orlando finds itself saying goodbye to a favorite spot for many, TGI Fridays. Located at 4151 Millenia Blvd, the popular restaurant has been evicted, paving the way for fresh beginnings. This comes on the heels of a demolition permit being issued to Cameron Group Associates, the restaurant’s landlord, as they prepare to level the building.
The eviction process for the TGI Fridays franchisee, Orlando Restaurants Inc., took place back in October, primarily due to nonpayment of rent. If that wasn’t enough, the parent company of TGI Fridays resorted to filing for Chapter 11 reorganization, plunging the restaurant further into uncertainty.
As a part of the eviction process, the landlord decided to auction off the restaurant’s fixtures and equipment. Just last week, eager buyers swooped in to remove various items, including the well-known booths and groovy light fixtures that many diners had grown fond of. It’s a bittersweet moment for fans of the chain, which has been a staple in the Orlando dining scene for years.
Now, you may be wondering what will take TGI Fridays’ place at this prime location. While details are still under wraps, it has been confirmed that the site has been leased to an affiliate of the wealthy auto magnate, Terry Taylor. Taylor, who owns and operates several luxury car dealerships in the area, is a billionaire based in Palm Beach and holds a staggering portfolio of 120 dealerships across the United States.
The lease for this new tenant comes with an exciting initial term of 15 years and three opportunities for five-year extensions. This indicates a significant commitment to the area, and one can only speculate what innovative business will soon occupy the space.
This change isn’t just happening at TGI Fridays. The Cameron Group Associates also terminated the lease of the neighboring Tex-Mex chain, Chevys, and they too will soon see new life as they have signed on another unidentified tenant for that location. The landscape of dining in the Orlando area is certainly shifting.
Cameron Group is spearheaded by a group of notable real estate investors, including Frank and Steven Schrimsher, renowned restauranteur John Rife, and attorney Jim Willard. This team played a crucial role in developing numerous buildings around the Mall at Millenia between 2003 and 2009, shortly after the mall first opened in 2002. Their dedication to evolving the Mall at Millenia area signifies a dynamic business atmosphere, often attracting a mix of well-known retailers.
Cameron Group also holds various retail spaces around the mall, including the popular 58,475-square-foot Shoppes at Millenia retail center. The group boasts an impressive portfolio with leases from reputable names such as Best Buy, Chick-fil-A, The Container Store, Wendy’s, Zaxby’s, and Panda Express.
In 2020, Cameron took a strategic step by selling seven parcels, including renowned restaurants like Olive Garden and BJ’s Brewhouse, for a substantial $22.7 million to Miami-based Limestone Asset Management. The following year, Limestone continued the trend by acquiring three more parcels, including the beloved Shake Shack and Panera Bread, for $10.4 million—a clear sign of a thriving property market.
TGI Fridays has its roots deeply planted, having been founded in New York City back in 1965. However, the restaurant chain faced significant financial hardships, leading to declines in both revenue and locations, particularly culminating in its recent bankruptcy filing, where it operated just 39 locations directly within the U.S.
As Orlando bids adieu to TGI Fridays, excitement brews within the community, which looks forward to discovering what the future holds. With new ownership and fresh tenants, change is in the air, and it’s just a matter of time before the site takes on a vibrant new life!
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