Eats

TGI Fridays to close even more UK locations as franchise falls further into administration

They're literally closing the place I had my 10th birthday party. Sad times.

Danny Jones - 14th January 2026

Yes, American export and multinational TGI Fridays is closing even more locations across the UK following the previous batch of restaurant shutdowns.

This comes after Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group, the parent company which oversees the global TGI Fridays franchise, filed a third notice to appoint administrators this week.

Founded way back in 1965 and opening in the UK by the 80s – 1990 here in Manchester, to be specific – the New York-born diner brand continues to struggle all over Great Britain.

The only city centre TGIs was hit by the first raft of closures in October 2024, and now another Greater Manchester branch is on the chopping block.

is tgi fridays in prestwich still open? — TGIs Preswitch and Royal Exchange have both been shut for some time (Credit: **David Dixon**/**The Manc**)

tgis royal exchnage cross st shut — TGIs Preswitch and Royal Exchange have both been shut for some time (Credit: **David Dixon**/**The Manc**)

Announced on Wednesday, 14 January, a further 16 TGI Fridays restaurants are shutting down imminently amid administration.

Totalling just 33 transatlantic venues left, this also means the loss of around 450 jobs, though the company insists they believe it to be the best decision to help “reinvigorate” the brand.

In a statement, Global President of TGI Fridays, Phil Broad, said: “We’ve been working closely to explore all available options for securing the long-term future of TGI Fridays in the UK, and believe that this is the best outcome for the business, preserves jobs, and offers a strong platform for success and growth.

As per an official press release shared on Monday, TGI bosses are hoping to reassert their presence in the American bar and grill scene as well as casual dining culture with a “bold new 1-2-3 strategic vision.”

Meanwhile, you can see the full list of TGI Fridays sites closing in Great Britain down below:

Aberdeen Beach
Ashton-under-Lyne
Bournemouth
Braintree
Coventry
Crawley
Doncaster
Edinburgh
Nottingham
Reading
Sheffield
Staines
Stevenage

It seems that the entities within the hospitality sector, no matter how big or small, are still being struck by rising business rates, inflation and the general cost of living crisis.

I suggest you speak to your team @RachelReevesMP … an emergency cut in VAT is the ONLY lever you have to save thousands of Hospitality businesses folding.
Much of Europe has VAT rates 10-13% to support their Hospitality industry.

A cut in VAT has been used and worked before. https://t.co/MQjgmcmzyQ
— Adam Brooks AKA EssexPR 🇬🇧 (@EssexPR) January 14, 2026

For now, at least, the now only remaining regional TGI Fridays in the Trafford Centre (which has been there since 1998) is set to stay open.

In the case of the site in Tameside, the 36-year-old spot has unfortunately closed with immediate effect.

As for those sadly now without a job, it’s absolutely gutting – sending love and support from everyone here at The Manc Group, and we hope other parties at Ashton Leisure Park will step in to help when and where they can.

This is far from the only recognisable name closing down local venues, either…