TGI Fridays Closes, Junkyard Cafe Says, “Hold My Beer!”

(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — In a plot twist no one saw coming, TGI Fridays—home of flair-covered suspenders and Jack Daniel’s everything—has officially closed its Simi Valley location. Somewhere, a pile of red-and-white striped awnings weeps gently in a storage unit. And yet, as one corporate giant fades into the sunset, a local gem stands tall, grinning mischievously, with a beer schooner in one hand and a churro waffle in the other, ready to embrace Fridays’ now-homeless fans with open arms.

Let’s be real, Fridays had its charm. But for all its rah-rah enthusiasm and vaguely mid-2000s vibes, it was starting to feel… tired. Meanwhile, just around the corner, Junkyard Cafe, a quirky neighborhood hangout has been quietly perfecting the art of casual dining, showing Fridays fans how to truly live their best out-of-the-house lives.

Because here’s the thing, while Fridays was busy reminding you that “It’s always Friday somewhere,” the Junkyard was already making every day a party—complete with breakfast burritos, towering beers, and a menu so bold, it practically shouts, “Why not?!”

TGI Fridays, with its standardized menu and familiar decor, always felt like the dining equivalent of a sitcom rerun, comforting, predictable, and, perhaps, just a little stale. On the other hand, the Simi Valley spot picking up the slack is like stepping into an episode of your favorite reality show—unpredictable, wildly entertaining, and full of surprises.

Th decor alone is enough to make you forget Fridays’ cookie-cutter aesthetic. Here, mismatched chairs and garage-sale chic collide in the best way possible. It’s like someone raided their eccentric uncle’s attic and said, “Yeah, this’ll do.”

And the food? Let’s just say the Junkyard menu makes Fridays look like it was playing it safe. Junkyard’s got Dirty Filthy Scrambled Eggs and Tony Scrambles for breakfast, Tri-Tip Sandwiches for lunch, and enough comfort food to make you consider unbuttoning your jeans before you even start eating.

Now, let’s address the giant pancake-shaped elephant in the room because it’s kind of a big deal. TGI Fridays never served breakfast. Not once! Our new go-to spot, however, treats breakfast like an Olympic sport.

Whether it’s the Junky Monkey Sandwich (banana and chocolate chip pancakes with eggs and bacon) or the Churro Belgian Waffle, you’ll find yourself wondering why you ever settled for Fridays’ late-morning appetizers. Junkyard doesn’t just do breakfast—they own it.

Sure, Fridays had its cocktails, and yes, they were… decent. But Junkyard’s 20-ounce frosty beer schooners make Fridays’ delicate margaritas seem a little half-hearted.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two is how they make you feel. Fridays, as part of a global chain, was designed to appeal to everyone—which often meant it didn’t feel like it belonged anywhere in particular.

The Junkyard, by contrast, is unmistakably local. It’s the kind of place where the staff knows your name, the decor has an authentic flair, and the menu reads like it was created by someone who actually likes to eat food, not just sell it.

TGI Fridays may have closed, but Simi Valley diners have landed on their feet. Junkyard is not just filling the void—it’s redefining what a neighborhood favorite can be. From its creative menu to its one-of-a-kind vibe, this local gem has stepped up in a way that feels fresh, fun, and unapologetically homegrown.

Fridays may be gone, but thank goodness Simi Valley has an even better spot reminding us that the weekend doesn’t ever have to end.