TGI Friday's, Inc.

TGI Friday's, Inc. operates as a casual dining restaurant company specializing in American cuisine and bar service. The company manages a portfolio of restaurant locations operating under the TGI Friday's brand name.

In 2026, TGI Friday's is implementing an ambitious strategic vision to more than double its global restaurant footprint over the next five years as part of a post-bankruptcy revival. The 400-unit, Dallas-based chain wants to reach more than 1,000 restaurants and $2 billion in revenue by 2030. This expansion includes new openings in key U.S. and U.K. markets as well as emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, the Balkans, and Africa, according to CEO Ray Blanchette. The development plans entail both traditional restaurant locations as well as outlets in hotels and airports, where the brand has performed well.

This strategic reset follows TGI Fridays filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024, during which half of the chain's domestic restaurants closed and U.S. sales fell by 43%. Despite these challenges, the company has positioned itself as a global brand with American roots, with restaurants in 40 countries and total revenue of just over $1 billion in 2024, about 60% of which came from outside the U.S. The company tapped Blanchette to lead its post-bankruptcy revival, leveraging his extensive experience with TGI Fridays from 1989 to 2007 and again from 2018 to 2023 as CEO.

The new plan focuses on rekindling the energetic spirit that defined TGI Fridays in its heyday, including creating more immersive experiences around big events like holidays and sporting events. The chain's "holiday takeover" initiative was a big success, with increased traffic and ticket averages, higher online ratings, and more demand for parties and corporate events. TGI Friday's restaurants serve as casual dining destinations offering American cuisine, appetizers, entrees, and full bar service, known for their lively atmosphere and social dining experience. The company operates through company-owned and franchised locations while maintaining brand standards and quality.

TGI Friday's, Inc. was founded in 1965 by Alan Stillman in New York City. The original concept focused on creating a casual dining restaurant with a lively atmosphere, American cuisine, and full bar service. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its fun environment and quality food offerings.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, TGI Friday's expanded significantly, establishing locations across the United States and internationally. The company became known for its distinctive casual dining concept and bar-centric atmosphere. TGI Friday's went public in 1983 but was later taken private through various acquisitions and restructurings.

In 2018, Tilman Fertitta acquired TGI Friday's, bringing the brand under private ownership. The company has continued to operate its casual dining locations while adapting to changing consumer preferences.