T.G.I. Friday’s Plans Bigger Middle East Presence

The red and white striped awnings of T.G.I. Friday’s will be fluttering across the Middle East. The chain has renewed its development agreement with Kuwait-based Americana Group, which currently owns and operates the region’s 36 T.G.I. Friday’s, as well as other foodservice chains. The agreement will result in an additional 30 T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants during a five-year span, and grow the chain to a leading presence in American casual dining in this region.

"A core component of T.G.I. Friday’s overall growth strategy is identifying the right partners who can help us reach our goals," said Ian Saunders, president and COO-T.G.I. Friday’s International. "We have established a tremendous relationship with Americana, and this new development agreement emphasizes the strength of our partnership, a partnership that will add 30 new Friday’s restaurants to this thriving region."

T.G.I. Friday’s has more than 900 units in 60 countries. Americana, whose territory encompasses Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the UAE, currently operates Krispy Kreme, Hardee’s and Pizza Hut franchises, in addition to its 36 T.G.I. Friday’s stores.