TGI Fridays expands into the Balkans for the first time with 10-unit agreement

TGI Fridays announced Tuesday a development agreement with Devolli Group to open the casual-dining restaurant chain's first restaurants in the Balkans. Devolli Group will be opening 10 TGI Fridays locations in Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, and has secured exclusive rights to sub-franchise the brand throughout the territory. 'The Balkans represent one of Europe's most exciting growth opportunities, combining entrepreneurial energy, a thriving hospitality sector and a culture that values gathering around the table,' TGI Fridays global president, Phil Broad, said in a statement. 'Devolli Group is the right partner to introduce TGI Fridays to the Balkans. Their market expertise, operational excellence and long-term vision give us tremendous confidence in what we can build together.' This development agreement is part of the brand's long-term 1-2-3 Strategic Vision strategy to regrow its portfolio laid out by CEO Ray Blanchette this past January. As part of that plan, Fridays hopes to have 1,000 restaurants open by 2030. With the company's 2024 liquidation behind it, Fridays plans on expanding again in the U.S. soon, but over the past several years, has mostly focused on increasing development in new and growing international markets. Since January, the company has already added 150 restaurants to its slowly expanding portfolio, with development particularly focused on international franchise agreements in countries including Kenya and the Maldives, Peru, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Greece, Cyprus, and Spain. Additionally, this past March, the company entered sub-Saharan Africa for the first time in a hotel and resort development deal. 'This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in world-class brands and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across the region,' Blerim Devolli, president of Devolli Group, said in a statement. 'We look forward to building a strong, long-term business that creates new opportunities, develops local talent, and brings a globally recognized dining experience to our customers and communities." Contact Joanna at [email protected]