Legendary restaurant chain announces huge UK comeback after being saved from administration with 35 closures

The Sun

13 hours ago

A LEGENDARY restaurant chain has announced a huge UK comeback after being saved from administration.
With a new menu and a plan to revitalise restaurants, the chain secured a rescue deal last year but made a string of closures.
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TGI Fridays, the US -themed eatery and cocktail bar, said it had undergone a significant transformation since being bought out of administration in October.
Bosses are describing the comeback campaign as a "full brand reset".
This will see half of its dishes updated and 70% of the grill items reworked, promising new flavours and more customisation.
There are also plans to revive the brand's "Americana" influence and theatre theme.
Some locations have already reintroduced photo booths and candyfloss machines.
TGI Fridays said it was launching a comeback offer to mark the relaunch and to encourage more diners to return.
Diners who order from the menu across Independence Weekend - the US holiday celebrated between July 4-6 - will receive a voucher for a free return meal.
This will be valid on weekdays for the rest of the month.
The restaurant first opened in New York in 1965 with a party-led theme and continues to operate a string of restaurants across the US.
Private equity firm Breal Capital and Calveton UK acquired 51 restaurants after the previous UK operator fell into administration.
But while the deal secured the future of the chain, it led to 35 restaurant closures with around 1,000 staff made redundant.
Without a buyer the brand could have disappeared for good from UK high streets, where it's been a familiar sight since 1986.
Since its debut in Birmingham that year, TGI Fridays quickly expanded nationwide, winning over diners with its casual American bistro-style experience.
TGI Fridays now say it operates 49 restaurants and has about 2,500 members of staff.
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Restructuring efforts since the takeover have resulted in a leaner and more streamlined business, it said on Friday.
It also highlighted an improvement in sales since the start of 2025.
Prior to the takeover, TGI faced falling sales in the UK against a backdrop of wider struggles for the casual dining sector and weaker consumer spending.
Julie McEwan, chief executive of TGI Fridays UK, said: "This is an exciting moment for TGI Fridays - a full brand reset that reinforces everything people have always loved about us.
"TGI Fridays has a rich heritage of bold flavour, high-energy hospitality and unforgettable celebrations - and we've gone back to those roots to bring that magic into a new era.
"Over the past eight months, we've restructured the business, invested in our incredible team, and rebuilt our offer around quality, value and experience."
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