Full list of 51 TGI Fridays restaurants saved from closure as bosses are 'hopeful'
TGIs restaurants at Birmingham's NEC and Walsall are among those saved from closure
by Emily Chaplin, https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/authors/emily-chaplin/ · Birmingham LiveA total of 51 TGI Fridays across the UK have been saved from closure after a deal was secured to sell some of the 87 at risk restaurants. The original American cocktail bar and restaurant has been acquired by Breal Capital and Calveton UK, the name behind D&D London, Byron Burgers and Vinoteca.
The deal, announced on Monday (October 7), will mean that TGIs will continue to operate in the UK after fears that the recognisable name would disappear from high streets 38 years after the first branch opened in Birmingham.
The sale, which is based on 51 restaurants, should secure the future of more than 2,000 jobs. Restaurants at Birmingham's NEC and Walsall are among the Midlands branches that will remain open.
Read more: I went to the UK's first TGI Fridays in Birmingham and I get why some still love it
Birmingham's Hagley Road site - the oldest branch in the country - and Solihull's Touchwood restaurant were not included on the list and BirminghamLive has contacted TGIs to confirm their status in the takeover. However bosses have said they are 'hopeful that we may be able to secure further locations following discussions with the landlords'.
Julie McEwan, Chief Executive of TGI Fridays UK, said: “TGI Fridays is a much-loved brand with a rich heritage. The news today marks the start of a positive future for our business following a very challenging period for the casual dining sector as a whole. We look to the future with confidence that the TGI Fridays brand will continue to attract loyal and new guests.
“We are devastated for our colleagues who will be leaving TGIs and thank them for their loyalty and contribution during their time with us. We are doing everything possible to retain our team and support those impacted.
“We would like to thank our team and our loyal guests for supporting us during this transition. We are proud to serve millions of customers across the UK and are committed to continuing to evolve our proposition and to give our guests a great value for money experience that keeps them coming back to enjoy TGI Fridays time and again.”
A spokesperson for the new owners said: “We are delighted to be working with such an enthusiastic and committed Management Team to both modernise the business and capitalise on the heritage of this iconic Brand.”
Full list of TGI Fridays UK restaurants remaining open
Bluewater
Trafford Centre
Meadowhall
Aberdeen Union Square
Metrocentre
Basildon
Glasgow Fort
Milton Keynes Stadium
Braehead
Wembley
Birmingham NEC
Glasgow
Junction 27
Castleford
Lakeside Quay
Teesside
Bolton
Norwich
St Davids
Doncaster
Lakeside
Fareham
Liverpool One
Stevenage
White Rose
Cribbs Causeway
Rushden Lakes
Stoke on Trent
Southampton
Silverburn
Watford Central
Aberdeen Beach
Braintree
Bournemouth
Stratford
High Wycombe
Cheshire Oaks
Walsall
Milton Keynes
Sheffield
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Coventry
Ashton-Under-Lyne
Telford
The O2
Staines
Crawley
Reading
Cheadle
Leicester Square
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