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TGI Fridays

Leadership

How TGI Fridays CEO Ray Blanchette plans to keep the 61-year-old brand ‘young and fresh’

 By Joanna Fantozzi on Aug. 11, 2026

Two years after bankruptcy, he is betting on global expansion, digital engagement, and a people-first attitude to revive the casual-dining brand.

Food

Cheese is melting all over menus, giving sales a solid boost

 By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 04, 2026

It started with Chili’s and those viral cheese pulls. Now other casual-dining chains are cashing in on the allure of ooey, gooey cheese.

Financing

TGI Fridays plans to open hundreds of new restaurants worldwide

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 12, 2026

The casual-dining chain wants to reach 1,000 locations by 2030, and plans to fuel the momentum by creating more immersive experiences in its restaurants.

Financing

TGI Fridays management company acquires brand's U.K. division

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 03, 2025

CEO Ray Blanchette’s Sugarloaf Management bought the casual-dining chain’s 49 U.K. locations amid a strong international growth push for the brand.

Operations

Inside Ray Blanchette's plan to revive TGI Fridays

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 31, 2025

The former CEO of the casual-dining chain is back in the driver’s seat and ready to lead the chain out of bankruptcy and into a new era.

Financing

TGI Fridays sells 19 restaurants out of bankruptcy

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 03, 2025

The casual-dining chain sold the locations to two franchisees, including former CEO Ray Blanchette’s Sugarloaf Hospitality.

Financing

TGI Fridays closes 30 more locations

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 30, 2025

The casual-dining chain, which filed for bankruptcy in November, has lost about half of its U.S. footprint over the past year.

Financing

TGI Fridays franchisee to acquire bankrupt restaurants for $34.5M

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 02, 2025

Cancun-based Mera Corp. outbid former Fridays’ CEO Ray Blanchette for a group of nine locations, including five at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, according to reports.

Financing

Former TGI Fridays' CEO makes an offer for bankrupt restaurants

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 06, 2024

Ray Blanchette’s Sugarloaf Concessions bid $30.5 million for nine locations of the casual-dining concept, including its high-volume outlets at DFW Airport.

Workforce

TGI Fridays layoffs violated WARN Act, lawsuit says

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 14, 2024

Two employees said they were let go without proper notice when their restaurants closed last month ahead of the casual-dining chain’s bankruptcy filing.

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