Q&A: Does TGI Friday's Franchise in the UK?

TGI Fridays has become a staple of British dining. We see it everywhere, everyone has eaten there, and it is unvaryingly popular with families and friends for a great American dining experience. But rather than just dining there - what if you could make a career change, and become an important part of its operations as a successful franchisee? 

American dining has had an enormous influence on the UK food industry. Done right, burgers, ribs or chicken wings tick the boxes for the majority of meat-loving diners - and paired with an ample supply of fruity cocktails and packed-out desserts, it’s easy to see why it’s such a hit with customers. There’s no sign of demands slowing, and with American restaurant chains targeting the UK for growth [Forbes], now could be the time to get in on the action and start your own American restaurant franchise.

Does TGI Friday’s franchise in the UK?

If you know your American dining here in the UK, you’ll know TGI Fridays - operating in the UK as simply Fridays. Unfortunately though, there are currently no franchising opportunities available for Fridays in the UK. Instead, opportunities are available in the US, France, Italy and several other countries - so check out the website if franchising outside of the UK interests you. 

However, if you’ve got your heart set on franchising with a business similar to TGI Fridays opportunities - never fear. There are plenty of other options to discover on Point Franchise. Of the most popular dining brands in the UK, seven are American brands [Statista]. So, American food remains a big winner for consumers here in the UK. 

The history of TGI Friday’s

The TGI Fridays business was established in 1965. Opening on the corner of 63rd+1st street in New York, it offered a timeless promise to potential customers: ‘In here, it’s always Friday’. Characterised by its flowing cocktails and charming bartenders, it soon became a hot spot. 

Within a week [TGI Fridays] was the first restaurant requiring barricades to handle the hordes of enthusiastic guests! It became the meeting place that served not just hot food and drink but legendary atmosphere too!
- TGI Fridays

After going from strength to strength in the US, TGI Fridays opened its first store in Birmingham in 1986, before opening another site in Covent Garden a year later. By the end of the 80’s, restaurants had also popped up in Cardiff, Reading and Fareham. By 1992, the Covent Garden site was the busiest TGI in the world, underpinning the enormous demand for American dining in the UK - something that remains to this day. 

Start a franchise in the restaurant sector

While it’s bad news that TGI Fridays opportunities are currently unavailable in the UK, there are plenty of other brilliant opportunities available if you’re still keen to make an exciting career change. No doubt the exciting details of restaurant life have got you eager to learn more about how you can get involved with the sector - even if it’s not with a TGI Friday’s franchise. Below, you’ll discover some other options for franchising in the restaurant sector that might suit you if you had your heart set on the TGI Friday’s business. 

1. Five Guys

Akin to the popularity of TGI Friday’s, Five Guys is one of America’s favourite fast food burger chains. It made its way to the UK in 2013, with queues forming on opening day from the early hours of the morning. Since then, its popularity hasn’t wavered, and as such it proves a great option for those looking for a popular American restaurant business to franchise with in 2022.

• Becoming a Five Guys Franchisee: You don’t need previous restaurant experience to join the Five Guys franchise, but they are looking for people that are passionate about the fast food industry and have a genuine interest in the sector. So if you’re willing to brave a highly competitive market with bags of motivation and a drive for success, you could be the perfect franchisee for Five Guys. 
• How much you need to invest: To become a Five Guys franchisee, you’ll need to be able to invest between £300,000 and £550,000. 
• What you get for your investment: Your investment in Five Guys covers all manner of things. While including the franchise fee and development fee, it also incorporates your equipment and inventory costs, as well as other additional costs, that you’ll need to make the perfect start with Five Guys.  

2. Rooster Shack

Offering a hip alternative to the many chicken shop outlets currently operating in the UK, Rooster Shack is a franchise with a difference. Customers love its fresh piri piri and grilled chicken, a combo that keeps regulars coming back for more - and keeps franchisees raking in the revenue. 

• Becoming a Rooster Shack Franchisee: Joining the Rooster Shack franchise means you’re getting your money’s worth. Its units are designed to fit into small sites of as little as 500 square feet, so investors can reduce the amount they spend on rent. With this in mind, franchisees are encouraged to set up shop in suburban secondary shopping parades with a middle-class population of residents, students and office workers.
• How much you need to invest: To become a Rooster Shack Franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum investment of £75,000, including £17,500 +VAT in franchisees fees. The total amount you’ll pay is likely to depend on the size and location of your business unit, but this should come to around £150,000.
• What you get for your investment: Rooster Shack offers finance options through third parties, and its team will be on hand to help you find and secure the best site for your franchise. You will also benefit from branded uniforms, a high-quality website and a regularly updated menu - meaning you’ll always be on top of industry trends. 

Make a career change and find your perfect restaurant franchise today

While TGI Friday’s franchising options are currently limited, there’s a whole world of restaurant franchising opportunities out there - including those in the same, American-style model. Hopefully, you’ve been inspired that the perfect franchise is out there waiting for you. 

If you’re keen to learn more, find out which restaurants do franchise in the UK, or explore our UK franchise directory to discover the perfect franchise for you.