A major UK restaurant chain is on the brink of a significant restructuring that could see nearly half of its sites shut down. TGI Fridays is reportedly preparing to close between 15 and 20 of its 49 UK restaurants, a move that would put hundreds of jobs at immediate risk.
Rescue Plan and Pre-Pack Administration
The chain's new owner, Sugarloaf TGIF Management, which took control just two months ago in November 2025, is already planning a swift sale. Sources have informed Sky News that a rescue plan is being formulated, which would involve a so-called 'pre-pack' administration.
This process involves lining up a buyer for the company or its assets before administrators are officially appointed, allowing the business to be sold without its previous financial liabilities. Interpath Advisory is expected to handle the administration, with two notices of intention to appoint the firm filed in the lead-up to Christmas.
Potential Impact on Workforce and Operations
If the plan goes ahead, the consequences for staff will be severe. The chain employs nearly 2,000 people across the UK, and Sky News reports that "hundreds" of these workers face redundancy. A spokesperson for TGI Fridays UK stated on Friday, 5th January 2026, that the company is "still assessing all options for the future of the business."
They emphasised that no final decisions have been made and all locations continue to operate as usual for now. The potential buyer is understood to be interested in acquiring a smaller, streamlined version of the iconic American-themed restaurant chain.
Recent History and Full List of UK Sites
This is not the first time the UK arm of TGI Fridays has faced turmoil. Its previous operator fell into administration, leading to the acquisition of the remaining restaurants by private equity firms Breal Capital and Calveton UK last year. The chain, founded in New York in 1965, remains a prominent feature in many UK towns and cities.
The 49 TGI Fridays restaurants currently trading across the UK include:
- TGI Fridays Aberdeen Beach – Esplanade, Aberdeen
- TGI Fridays Birmingham NEC – Resorts World, Birmingham
- TGI Fridays Bluewater – Greenhithe
- TGI Fridays Cardiff St David's – Cardiff
- TGI Fridays Edinburgh – Castle Street, Edinburgh
- TGI Fridays Glasgow Buchanan Street – Glasgow
- TGI Fridays Leeds White Rose – Leeds
- TGI Fridays Liverpool One – Liverpool
- TGI Fridays London The O2 – London
- TGI Fridays Meadowhall – Sheffield
- TGI Fridays Milton Keynes – Milton Keynes
- TGI Fridays Nottingham – The Cornerhouse, Nottingham
- TGI Fridays Trafford Centre – Manchester
- TGI Fridays Walsall – Wolverhampton Street, Walsall
The future of these and all other sites now hangs in the balance as administrators and potential buyers negotiate a deal that will determine the shape of the famous casual dining brand in the UK.
