T.G.I. Friday’s announced it is now serving the “Friday feeling” in 350 international locations. The newest Friday’s restaurant opened in January 2011 in Arequipa, Peru by Franquicias Alimentarias SA, a licensed franchisee of T.G.I. Friday’s.
The first T.G.I. Friday’s opened outside the U.S. in Birmingham, England in March 1986. Twenty-five years later, Friday’s now delights well over 40 million international guests annually in 60 countries, providing them with authentic American food, exciting drinks and an energizing Friday feeling – any day of the week. The brand also has the most American casual dining restaurants around the globe.
“Friday’s was the first American casual dining company to open its doors abroad and by reaching these two significant milestones, it’s clear we remain the industry leader,” said Ian Saunders, president and chief operating officer, T.G.I. Friday’s International. “Friday’s promises that wherever you are in the world, “In Here, It’s Always Friday.” Thanks to the strength of our brand and franchise partnerships, Friday’s always delivers on this promise.”
Friday’s Ambition 2015 strategy is to add at least 150 new international locations to its portfolio by 2015, increasing the number of Friday’s locations to nearly 1,100. The latest opening in Peru brings the company one step closer to this goal.
Friday’s also took several steps in 2010 to reach its Ambition 2015 objectives such as opening 30 new international locations and signing six additional development agreements to increase its international presence, including the most recent agreement with Americana Group (Kuwait Food Company) to add 30 new restaurants in the Middle East over the next five years.