TGI Fridays Signs First U.S. Deal in 10-Plus Years

TGI Fridays has signed its first domestic development agreement in more than a decade, reenergizing its growth plans in the U.S. The brand has inked a deal with Bliss Bites to open five Fridays restaurants across New York. Bliss Bites also acquired Friday’s existing location in Central Islip, N.Y., bringing the franchisee’s total New York portfolio to six restaurants.

The deal serves as one part of Fridays’ growth plan, called 1-2-3 Strategic Vision, which charts a path to more than 1,000 units and $2 billion in annual revenue by 2030.

“Growth only matters when it’s built with the right partners, and this five-restaurant development agreement is exactly what we envisioned for our 1-2-3 Strategic Vision,” says Ashley Kirkley, chief operating officer of Fridays, in the release. “We’re bringing passionate franchisees into the Fridays family, building in markets where this iconic brand belongs, and creating restaurants that deliver the energy, hospitality and celebration our guests expect from Fridays.”

Kirkley adds that New York is an important part of Fridays’ domestic growth story. The brand opened its first restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in 1965.

Bliss Bites is led by Vinod Chand, owner and managing director, who brings more than 35 years of hospitality experience to Fridays.

Fridays operates nearly 400 restaurants in almost 40 countries. Last month, it announced a deal that will lead to its first-ever expansion into the Balkans. In 2026, it also booked its Kenyan debut.