TGI Fridays Signs First U.S. Deal in Over a Decade and Returns to Pakistan With 15 Units

The Deals

TGI Fridays has signed two new franchise agreements as part of its “1-2-3 Strategic Vision” turnaround plan, Franchise Times reported on 27 October 2026.

Key Facts

• New York State: Five locations with Vinod Chand’s company Bliss Bites — the brand’s first domestic development agreement in more than a decade. Chand also acquired an existing New York restaurant.

• Pakistan: A 15-location return led by Meerab Hospitality, part of Meerab Properties.

• Footprint: Nearly 400 locations in about 40 countries.

• Target: 1,000 locations by 2030.

Background

The company filed for Chapter 11 in November 2024; Ray Blanchette returned as CEO after Sugarloaf TGIF Management took control in 2025. This follows the brand’s earlier Balkans agreement with Devolli Group.

Source: Franchise Times, 27 Oct 2026