Global Franchise 10.2

or more than six decades, TGI Fridays® has been a name synonymous with fun. From its first bar in NewYork to a presence in nearly 40 countries today, the brand has built a legacy on energy and connection – a place where guests come together to mark life’s exciting moments. Now, under the leadership of Phil Broad, Fridays is entering a bold new phase of international growth. The company has just extended its franchise development and master franchise agreements with two of its longest-standing partners – Franquicias Alimentarias S.A. in Peru andWatami Co., Ltd. in Japan – paving the way for more than 50 new restaurant openings across the two markets. The move builds on recent successes, including new openings in Lima andYokohama, and marks another confident step toward Fridays’ goal of reaching 1,000 restaurants globally. Phil Broad, who became President of TGI Fridays® International Franchising in April 2025, is a Brit based in Dubai and brings more than 30 years of food and beverage experience to the role. Before joining Fridays, he served as SeniorVice President of Food & Beverage at Alghanim Industries, overseeing more than 270 restaurants across the GCC and driving regional growth forWendy’s, Costa Coffee, and Slim Chickens. His career also includes senior leadership positions with Starbucks UK & Ireland, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Jumeirah Restaurants, as well as a previous tenure as Managing Director of TGI Fridays UK from 1997 to 2000. With a franchise-first mindset and a clear vision for growth, Broad shares how Fridays is evolving its model, empowering partners, and reigniting the spirit that made the brand a global icon. GF: Howwould you describe your vision for Fridays’ international growth and expansion? PB: The key for us is being a responsible franchisor. People invest money, time, and energy into our brand, and we have a responsibility to make sure they’re supported with world-class systems, processes, and people. Fridays has been around for over 60 years, and it’s built on powerful foundations – a proven business model, strong brand equity, and a loyal following that spans generations. But success today isn’t about doing what’s always been done.We want to be bold and disruptive. The market’s ready for a brand that does things differently, one that delivers great food and drinks but also energy, theater, and that unmistakable Fridays buzz. That’s what we’re bringing back – the bar-forward experience, the flair, and the celebration that defined us from the start. Our goal is clear: to be a world-class franchisor operating 1,000 restaurants worldwide. Fridays is currently in around 40 countries, and we’re seeing growing demand from potential franchise partners. That tells me the brand still has incredible global appeal. Building a world-class franchisor Phil Broad , President of TGI Fridays® International Franchising, talks to editor Charlotte Smith about the brand’s ambitious growth strategy and how Fridays is supporting its franchisees across a range of global markets. Q & A F 50 GLOBAL FRANCHISE Issue 10.2