The UK arm of the popular American-style restaurant chain TGI Fridays has entered administration, leading to the immediate closure of 16 sites and the loss of 456 jobs.
Rescue Deal Secures Majority of Chain
Despite the significant closures, the brand's future in the UK has been secured for now. A pre-pack administration deal was completed on Tuesday, 14 January 2026, which will see most of the business continue to operate.
The administrators from Interpath Advisory were appointed by the Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group, which runs the UK outlets. The business and its assets were then immediately sold to a subsidiary of Sugarloaf, the global owner of the TGI Fridays brand.
This move comes just two months after Sugarloaf purchased the UK operation from previous owners, the private equity firms Calveton UK and Breal Capital.
Jobs Saved and Jobs Lost
The rescue transaction has protected a substantial portion of the workforce. Administrators confirmed that 33 TGI Fridays restaurants will remain open, with 1,384 employees transferring to the new entity under Sugarloaf's control.
However, not all sites were included in this lifeline. Sixteen locations across the country have been shut permanently. The closure of these restaurants has directly resulted in 456 staff members being made redundant.
Leadership Looks to a Reinvented Future
Phil Broad, the global president of TGI Fridays, stated that the administration process was pursued to secure the brand's long-term prospects in the UK. He described the outcome as the best available to preserve jobs and build a platform for future growth.
"TGI Fridays has a long history in the UK, and I believe that the future of the brand is in strong hands," Broad said. He added that the focus would be on reinvigorating the brand while maintaining its signature high-energy dining experience.
Ryan Grant, Managing Director at Interpath and joint administrator, echoed this sentiment. He noted the transaction ensured the survival of a well-known brand across the UK. Grant acknowledged the difficult climate for hospitality but called the deal a pivotal step in the wider turnaround plan for TGI Fridays, providing stable foundations to move forward.
The first TGI Fridays restaurant in the UK opened in 1987, making it a familiar feature on the British high street for nearly four decades.
