TGI Fridays signs deal to open 10 restaurants across PrideInn properties across Kenya

KENYA – TGI Fridays has signed a development agreement with PrideInn Hotels and Resorts to open 10 restaurants across Kenya, marking the casual-dining chain’s first expansion into sub-Saharan Africa.

The partnership, announced March 9, 2026, will introduce the iconic American brand to Kenyan diners within the next 12 months, with locations initially launching within PrideInn’s hotel portfolio from Nairobi to Mombasa.

From Bankruptcy to Global Ambition

The Kenyan deal represents a critical piece of TGI Fridays’ broader turnaround strategy.

Two years after declaring bankruptcy and closing more than half of its U.S. locations, the company is aggressively pursuing international growth with a target of 1,000+ restaurants worldwide.

Since last April, when Phil Broad took over as president of international franchising, Fridays has signed development agreements to expand in Peru, Mexico, and India, and entered the Maldives for the first time.

Last November, returning CEO Ray Blanchette repurchased the remaining 49 U.K. locations, stabilizing the brand’s European footprint.

A Homegrown Partner with Global Vision

PrideInn Hotels, founded in 2006 by Hasnain Noorani, has grown from two budget hotels into a multi-billion-dollar hospitality group operating luxury properties across five Kenyan counties.

Noorani, recently named one of Kenya’s 50 most influential CEOs, built the brand on a philosophy of delivering “Global Feel with Kenyan Soul.”

The partnership with TGI Fridays reflects PrideInn’s commitment to bringing world-class brands to Kenya’s evolving hospitality landscape.

“This is more than a restaurant launch, it is about creating new lifestyle experiences and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a destination ready for global hospitality brands,” Noorani said.

Why Hotels Make Sense for Fridays

The hotel-based expansion strategy has proven successful for TGI Fridays in markets like the United States and UAE, where guests appreciate “the familiarity, energy, and consistency of a globally recognized brand” during their travels.

Broad sees Kenya as an exciting market with a growing hospitality sector and strong culture of social dining, calling the partnership with PrideInn a foundation for sustainable growth.

The agreement initially focuses on hotel locations but allows flexibility to expand into additional formats as the brand establishes its presence.

Strengthening Kenya’s Dining Landscape

For Kenya’s hospitality sector, the arrival of TGI Fridays signals growing international confidence.

PrideInn already operates properties in Nairobi’s key business districts, Westlands, Azure, and Plaza, with conference facilities, luxury accommodations, and dining experiences that cater to both corporate and leisure travelers.

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