TGI Fridays has signed a development agreement with Meerab Hospitality to expand its restaurant network across Pakistan.

The agreement marks a new phase of growth for the international restaurant chain. It also strengthens TGI Fridays’ expansion strategy across South Asia and the Middle East.

Pakistan Offers Growth Potential

TGI Fridays said Pakistan’s large and young population offers significant long-term potential. The country has more than 240 million people, with a median age of around 21.

Rapid urbanisation and investment in shopping malls and mixed-use developments are also changing the country’s dining landscape.

Through the partnership, TGI Fridays plans to introduce its American-style menu, mocktails and high-energy dining experience to more Pakistani consumers.

First Restaurant Planned in Lahore

Meerab Hospitality, the franchise and development arm of Meerab Properties, has extensive hospitality experience across the Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia.

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The company plans to open the first flagship TGI Fridays restaurant within the next 12 months. The outlet will be located at the Hyatt Regency Hotel complex in Lahore.

Pervaiz Iqbal Shahid, Founder and Group CEO of Meerab Properties, said the company was delighted to bring TGI Fridays back to Pakistan.

“Our first flagship restaurant is targeted to open within the next 12 months at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Hotel complex in Lahore,” Shahid said.

He added that Meerab Hospitality plans to develop the brand across Pakistan through a combination of company-owned and approved sub-franchised restaurants.

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TGI Fridays Global President Phil Broad said Pakistan has the right fundamentals for the brand’s expansion.

“Pakistan has one of the youngest populations anywhere in the world and a retail landscape that’s evolving fast,” Broad said.

He added that Meerab Hospitality’s local knowledge and hospitality experience made it a suitable partner for the expansion.

TGI Fridays said the partnership could also create jobs and support the development of local hospitality talent.

Global Expansion Continues

The Pakistan agreement represents TGI Fridays’ second new market signing in the past 30 days. The company recently announced its first entry into the Balkans.

The restaurant chain has also signed international agreements covering Kenya, the Maldives, Peru, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Greece and Spain.

Together, these agreements have added nearly 200 restaurants to TGI Fridays’ global development pipeline.

The expansion supports the company’s 1-2-3 Strategic Vision, which targets more than 1,000 restaurants and $2 billion in annual revenue by 2030.

TGI Fridays said its strategy focuses on partnerships with operators that understand local markets and can develop the brand at scale.