TGI Fridays has signed a development agreement with Meerab Hospitality marking a new phase of growth for the brand in Pakistan, with plans to develop up to 15 restaurants across the country over the coming years.
The agreement marks an important milestone in TGI Fridays’ continued international expansion and further strengthens the brand’s presence across South Asia and the Middle East, as it accelerates toward its 1-2-3 Strategic Vision of 1,000+ restaurants and $2 billion in annual revenue by 2030.
Pakistan, with a population of more than 240 million and a median age of 21, has been identified as a market with scale, a young consumer base and long-term growth potential. Rapid urbanization, investment in malls and mixed-use destinations, and changing dining preferences are also creating opportunities for international restaurant brands.
TGI Fridays said its partnership with Meerab Hospitality will bring its signature offering of bold American flavors, legendary mocktails, a high-energy atmosphere and Fridays hospitality to the market.
Meerab Hospitality is the franchise and development arm of Meerab Properties and brings a two-decade track record across the Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia, along with international hospitality experience. The partnership is expected to support employment creation, investment in local hospitality talent and the development of a new generation of hospitality professionals.
Phil Broad, Global President of TGI Fridays, said the decision to enter Pakistan reflects both the strength of the market fundamentals and the right local partnership. He pointed to Pakistan’s young population and fast-evolving retail landscape, alongside Meerab Hospitality’s deep market knowledge and hospitality experience.
Broad added that a new generation of guests is looking for more than just a meal — an opportunity that plays directly to TGI Fridays’ strength in bringing people together, creating a little theatre and delivering an energetic guest experience.
Pervaiz Iqbal Shahid, Founder and Group CEO of Meerab Properties, said “We are delighted to bring TGI Fridays back to Pakistan and to begin a new chapter for this iconic global brand in the country. Our ambition is to reintroduce the brand through an energized and well-capitalized platform, backed by strong operational leadership and a long-term commitment to responsible growth.”
The first flagship restaurant is targeted to open within the next 12 months at the Hyatt Regency Hotel complex in Lahore. Over the next decade, the partners plan to develop the brand across Pakistan through a combination of company-owned and approved sub-franchised restaurants.
The agreement is TGI Fridays’ second market signing in the last 30 days following its Balkans entry across Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. It also builds on international agreements announced over the past year across Kenya, the Maldives, Peru, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Greece and Spain. These agreements have added close to 200 restaurants to the company’s global pipeline.
The expansion is part of TGI Fridays’ franchise strategy of entering high-potential markets with experienced local operators that bring market knowledge, operating capability and long-term development ambition.
The planned rollout reflects TGI Fridays’ strategy of growing in high-potential markets with experienced local partners. Meerab Hospitality brings the local knowledge and hospitality expertise to build the brand at scale for long-term success in Pakistan.
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