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.
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.
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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.
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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:
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.
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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.
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…
New croissants-by-day, pizza-by-night cafe and bar opens in Altrincham
Daisy Jackson
A new food and drink concept is opening its doors in Altrincham today, serving perfect personal-sized pizzas by night, and coffee and croissants by day.
The much-loved Irish Deli has sadly closed its doors, but the team are immediately rolling in a brand-new concept for the town.
Under one roof, Paddy’s will be the new home of Flakey (famed for their enormous, filled sweet and savoury croissants) as well as a pizza and cocktail bar.
The two concepts will share the cosy space beside Kennedy’s Irish Bar, right in the heart of Altrincham.
Customers will be able to pop in Monday to Sunday to pick up Flakey’s stuffed croissants, along with speciality coffee and matcha.
There’ll be savoury fillings like the Buff Italian (vegetable caponata, buffalo mozzarella, and pesto) and the New Yorker (Emmental, pastrami, sauerkraut and pickles), plus sweet options like the Sticky BC (vanilla Basque cheesecake and Biscoff).
Speciality drinks and stuffed Flakey croissantsThe team outside Paddy’sAn individual pizza with Paddy’s Punch frozen cocktail
By night, Paddy’s will take the stage, named after the former Irish terrier of the owner’s grandmother.
These individually-sized, handcrafted pan-pizzas will be loaded with toppings like the Paddy’s Pep with chilli and burrata, and The Dubliner with Irish sausage and pickled red onion.
During opening week (30 July – 2 August) Paddy’s is offering 50% off all pizzas for guests at Kennedy’s between the hours of 3pm-5pm.
Owners, Dan Mullen and John Kennedy said: “We’ve designed it to evolve throughout the day – start with coffee and croissants, come back for pizza, and stay for a pint or a cocktail. It’s one site, two distinct food experiences, and neither compromises the other.
“Two brands sharing one building with completely different moods, and we think Altrincham is going to love both. Our goal is to create a venue that’s full of life from open til close.”
Ahead of opening, Paddy’s is hosting a pizza hunt, where twenty branded Pizza-Pan boxes will be hidden around Altrincham, each containing a voucher, t-shirt, drinks voucher or – for the lucky few – a “pizza for life” keyring. Clues will be revealed daily on Instagram, with finders posting under #PaddysPizzaHunt to claim their prize and a free pizza on opening night.
Manchester institution Salvi’s announces closure of original city centre restaurant
Danny Jones
One of Manchester’s oldest and most loved Italian restaurants, Salvi’s, has sadly announced that they are closing their original restaurant after more than a decade and a half.
Having served authentic recipes from Naples and been at the forefront of the cuisine in this city for well over 15 years, it can be hard to remember a time before Salvi’s.
With that in mind, we’re gutted to hear that their OG location over in the Corn Exchange is now shutting its doors imminently.
But fret not: it’s not all doom and gloom, as they promise this isn’t the last you’ll see of them.
Often considered the first true Manc-Neapolitan eatery, which turned from a small counter and deli into, at one point, a big and beloved group of local independent restaurants with multiple locations, most people know the name and the sign, and plenty have patronised them since day one.
Sharing an emotional message in the caption of the post above, founder Maurizio Cecco and his wife Claire said: “For sixteen years, Salvi’s has been part of Manchester’s story. We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve built together.
“As the city changes, independent businesses have to change too. Today will be our last day of trading at Corn Exchange. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey all these years.
“This isn’t the end of our story; it’s the beginning of a new chapter – stay tuned. Grazie Mille.”
Unsurprisingly, the reaction to the news has been bittersweet, with people obviously saddened to hear of this latest closure but also looking back fondly on its past.
One person wrote in the comments: “I remember launching this amazing place all those years ago and have continued to watch you thrive!! Best of luck for the future!” Another added: “Will miss Salvi’s great food, great staff, not forgetting the Italian festival. All the best, Maurizio and family in your new adventure
As mentioned, it’s also worth noting that Maurizio and Claire are also behind the equally famous Festa Italiana, which draws crowds of tens of thousands across a full weekend every single year.
Having been regulars and firm fans of both their first family-owned flagship site and the aforementioned festival for many years, we’re equally gutted to see it go.
But as they made clear, this is not a definite ending for the brand, and it’s safe to say we’ll be eagerly awaiting whatever comes next.
Thanks for the memories and all the incredible food and drink you’ve served us – we hope we hear from you again sometime very soon.
Danny Jones -
14th January 2026 
