The American casual-dining chain is exploring UK growth opportunities while targeting 15 restaurants in Pakistan and pursuing international expansion through multi-unit franchise partnerships.
TGI Fridays is exploring further UK expansion following a period of restructuring, while new international development agreements are strengthening its franchise pipeline across South Asia and Europe. The American casual-dining brand is targeting more than 1,000 restaurants and $2 billion in annual revenue by 2030 under its global growth strategy.
According to industry publication Propel’s October 26, 2026, report, TGI Fridays’ international franchising president, Phil Broad, indicated that the company was considering new UK opportunities, including London locations, hotel partnerships and smaller restaurant formats. These remain potential expansion options rather than confirmed openings.
The UK business entered a new phase in January 2026, when Sugarloaf TGIF Operations acquired 33 restaurants through a pre-pack administration deal, protecting 1,384 jobs. Sixteen locations were excluded from the transaction.
The immediate priority has been to improve restaurant performance, customer experience and operational standards before committing to further expansion. The potential return to growth would depend on the sustainability of the existing estate and the viability of new locations.
Middle East and South Asia: Pakistan deal targets 15 restaurants
On September 23, 2026, TGI Fridays announced a development agreement with Meerab Hospitality to return to Pakistan, targeting 15 restaurants nationwide.
Meerab Hospitality, the franchise and development arm of Meerab Properties, will develop the business through company-operated and approved sub-franchised restaurants.
The agreement strengthens TGI Fridays’ presence in South Asia and reflects its strategy of partnering with local operators that understand regional markets and can support multi-unit development.
In the wider Middle East, TGI Fridays has an established presence through its Gulf operations. However, the Pakistan agreement should not be interpreted as a new Gulf expansion deal. The company’s latest international strategy is focused on securing development partners and building sustainable restaurant networks across different territories.
Global franchise strategy targets 1,000 restaurants
TGI Fridays’ 1-2-3 Strategic Vision, unveiled in January 2026, targets more than 1,000 restaurants and $2 billion in annual revenue by 2030.
On September 4, the company announced a development agreement with Devolli Group to open 10 restaurants across Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, adding another multi-unit commitment to its international pipeline.
The strategy centres on expanding through franchise partners while improving operational consistency and restaurant-level performance. For TGI Fridays, the challenge is to convert development agreements into profitable operating restaurants while rebuilding its UK business.
The latest developments point to a two-track approach: stabilising established markets and pursuing international growth through local franchise partnerships. Whether the company achieves its 2030 ambition will depend on execution, franchisee performance and the pace at which planned openings become operational restaurants.
