The British arm of the popular American restaurant chain TGI Fridays has taken a critical step towards administration for the second time this month, as it races to secure a financial rescue package.
Second Administration Filing in December
Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group, the company responsible for operating TGI Fridays across the UK, officially filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on December 19, 2025. This legal move comes just two weeks after the business submitted an initial notice, highlighting the urgency of its financial predicament.
The action is designed to provide the struggling hospitality group with a crucial breathing space. By filing the notice, the company triggers a legal shield that temporarily halts action from creditors and grants an additional 10 days to explore all available options. The primary goal is to find a new buyer or secure fresh investment to safeguard the long-term future of the brand.
Operations Continue Amid Uncertainty
Despite the serious financial proceedings, it is understood that all 49 TGI Fridays sites throughout the UK will continue to trade normally over the busy Christmas period. This will be a relief for its workforce of more than 2,000 employees, whose jobs hang in the balance.
The group is being advised by specialists from the restructuring firm Interpath Advisory as it navigates this challenging process. The famous casual dining brand, known for its party atmosphere since opening in New York in 1965, remains a major presence in the US market.
A Troubled Recent History in the UK
The current crisis marks another turbulent chapter for TGI Fridays in Britain. The chain's previous UK operator also collapsed into administration before its remaining estate was acquired last year by a consortium of private equity firms, namely Breal Capital and Calveton UK.
The repeated administration filings underscore the severe pressures facing the UK's casual dining sector, which has been battered by rising costs and changing consumer habits. The outcome of the next ten days will be decisive for the future of this iconic family dining brand on British high streets.
