TGI Fridays UK files for administrator appointment as Christmas approaches
The company behind TGI Fridays in the UK has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, stating that all its restaurants will remain open over Christmas as management seeks to protect the brand, reports BritPanorama.
This decision marks the latest chapter in a tumultuous period for the dining chain, which maintains nearly 50 locations across the UK. Current owners assert that their focus is on securing the brand’s future and ensuring the wellbeing of TGI Fridays employees and its restaurants.
Established in the 1980s, TGI Fridays has grown to encompass outlets from Aberdeen to Bournemouth. The brand’s complexities deepened last year when Breal Capital and Calveton orchestrated a rescue deal to acquire TGI Fridays UK from administration, preserving a significant number of restaurants while closing 36 locations that were not included in the agreement.
In early November 2024, reports indicated that former CEO Ray Blanchette’s Sugarloaf TGIF Management obtained control over the UK business, thereby securing jobs for approximately 2,000 staff across the chain. However, financial challenges led the new owners to engage advisory firm Interpath shortly thereafter, with discussions about potential investors and even a possible sale of the business being explored.
Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group, the current operator of TGI Fridays in the UK, has taken a decisive step with the filing for administration, which freezes creditor actions and allows the board to deliberate on future options.
Phil Broad, President TGI Fridays International Franchising, confirmed the court filing, emphasizing that this move aims to reinforce the long-term prospects of TGI Fridays in the UK. He reassured stakeholders that the top priority remains protecting employees and ensuring that all restaurants will continue to operate throughout the holiday season.
The original TGI Fridays was founded in New York in 1965, with its first UK establishment opening in Birmingham in 1986. The chain has since built a reputation for its cocktails and vibrant atmosphere, becoming a fixture in the British dining landscape.
In June 2025, TGI Fridays announced a comprehensive menu revamp as part of an “ultimate comeback campaign,” followed by the introduction of its Christmas menu last month, which features items like the Triple Stacked Jingle Bell Burger.
As it stands, TGI Fridays faces significant operational and financial hurdles as it seeks to stabilize its position in the UK market amidst ongoing scrutiny and external pressures.
The unfolding situation reflects broader challenges within the casual dining sector, which continues to grapple with the aftereffects of economic fluctuations. With a heritage dating back several decades, TGI Fridays exemplifies both the resilience and vulnerability of established brands in an ever-evolving gastronomic landscape.
