Mass Closure Alert: TGI Fridays Shuts Down 16 UK Locations, Leaving 456 Jobless!

TGI Fridays, the popular American casual dining chain, has made the difficult decision to close 16 of its UK restaurants, resulting in the loss of 456 jobs. This closure comes in the wake of a rescue deal that led to the sale of TGI Fridays’ business and assets to a company linked to Sugarloaf, while managing to keep afloat the remaining 33 restaurants across the UK.

The step to appoint Interpath as administrator reflects the challenging times faced by the hospitality sector, where customer numbers have dropped significantly—down by 6% over the summer of 2025 compared to the previous year. The recent closures span multiple locations including major cities such as Edinburgh, London, and Nottingham.

Phil Broad, TGI Fridays’ Global President, expressed optimism surrounding the company’s future, emphasizing that the sale was necessary for the long-term viability of the brand in the UK and that safeguarding 1,384 other jobs was a critical achievement. Ryan Grant, joint administrator, also reiterated the significance of the transaction as a step towards stabilization and revitalization of TGI Fridays amidst the broader hospitality industry challenges.

Moreover, this closure trend is not isolated; other restaurant chains such as Leon and Pizza Hut have also been forced to shutter multiple locations due to similar economic pressures stemming from increased operational costs, shift in consumer behavior, and post-pandemic market dynamics. The UK government’s commitment to support the sector with a package of £4.3 billion seeks to counteract potential mass layoffs estimated to exceed 100,000 workers in the near future.