TGI Fridays Expanding to India and Mexico

TGI Fridays (Dallas) has signed two master franchise agreements to expand its presence in India and Mexico. That announcement was made by Sugarloaf TGIF Management LLC, a privately held company and manager of the global TGI Fridays brand.

In India, the brand is teaming with USR Hospitality to develop 51 locations, while in Mexico it has a 50-unit pact with Mid-City Operadora Sapi de CV.

Coinciding with the India pact, USR has hired former TGI Fridays President and COO John Neitzel.

“John is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the TGI Fridays brand and a strong record of success,” said USR Chairman Prasoon Mukherjee. “His extensive knowledge, combined with our deep experience in the hospitality industry, understanding of what consumers in our markets crave and real estate development expertise uniquely positions USR to drive unprecedented growth for the brand.”

In addition to traditional high-street and mall locations, USR has secured the right to develop franchised restaurants in airports nationwide.

Beyond those development agreements, Sugarloaf announced ownership transitions in the Philippines and Spain. In the Philippines, The Bistro Americano Group sees new ownership with Tennyson Chen of Bounty Fresh and will continue an existing development agreement for a total of 40-plus locations across the country. In Spain, new ownership group Yellowstone Capital SL will operate nine units across the market.

Founded in 1965 as the world’s first casual bar and grill, TGI Fridays has nearly 400 restaurants in close to 40 countries.