“After the economic recession that really heavily impacted the Springfield community a few years ago, our brand was never able to bounce back,” Dancu said. “Our intention was always to make it a profitable location; unfortunately, that was just not the end result.”
The approximately 60 employees and managers at the restaurant were offered positions at other T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants owned by the company in Centerville, Beavercreek and Huber Heights.
“You never want to lose good people, so if there’s any way we can retain those folks, we would really like to,” said Dancu. “The commutes for some might be a little bit longer than what they had if they lived right in Springfield.”
All gift cards purchased at the Springfield location will still be valid at all continental T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants.
Dancu said that while she believes that another business will move into the building, there are no details yet available on how the location will be used.
Although it would be good to have another restaurant take its place, the loss of one restaurant is not something to be overly concerned about, said Tom Franzen, economic development administrator for the City of Springfield.
“I think the steady investments that you see there on Bechtle Avenue and the re-investments and new restaurant concepts are still strong,” said Franzen. “I hate to see anything go out, but it’s kind of the nature of the beast when you’re in the restaurant environment.”
Franzen pointed out that while some restaurants may leave, others, like the Buffalo Wild Wings and Hibachi Grill on Bechtle, have come to the area in the last three years.
“I think you see this same activity happening in most retail corridors across the country,” Franzen said. “Hopefully, there’s something that comes in its place, and there’s a new product offering and something new for the citizens of Springfield.”
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