The TGI Friday chain of diners is closing 16 of its UK restaurants, putting 456 employees out of work.
On Tuesday 13th January, an ‘administrator’, Interpath was appointed to the Liberty Bar and Restaurant group, which manages the operations of TGI Fridays’ UK restaurants.
Ryan Grant, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said:
“We are pleased to have been able to secure this transaction which will see this well-known brand continue to trade across the UK.
“While these have been difficult times for hospitality operators generally, this marks a pivotal step in TGI Fridays’ wider turnaround plan, putting in place stable foundations upon which it can begin to move forward.”
Phil Broad, TGI Fridays’ Global President, said:
“We have been working closely to explore all available options for securing the long-term future of TGI Fridays in the UK, and believe that this is the best outcome for the business, preserves jobs, and offers a strong platform for success and growth.”
In December, the hospitality sector’s trade body, UKHospitality, warned that the Autumn Budget risked causing the sector to shed 100,000 workers.
In response, the government said it is “protecting pubs, restaurants and cafés with the Budget’s £4.3bn support package”.
For now, the TGI Friday at Rushden Lakes seems safe, but it was only re-opened less than a year ago, in July 2025, by the Mayor of Rushden, Cllr. Gill Mercer.
