TGI Fridays expands into Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia

TGI Fridays, the iconic global restaurant and bar brand, has signed a landmark development agreement with Devolli Group, one of the Balkans' leading diversified business groups. This partnership marks the brand's first-ever expansion into Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, establishing a strategic gateway for further growth across Southeast Europe.

Under the agreement, Devolli Group will develop 10 TGI Fridays restaurants across the three markets, securing exclusive rights to sub-franchise the brand throughout the territory. The move aligns with TGI Fridays' 1-2-3 Strategic Vision, aiming to operate more than 1,000 restaurants worldwide by 2030.

"This development agreement is a significant milestone in our international growth strategy," said Phil Broad, Global President of TGI Fridays. "The Balkans, with its rich tradition of hospitality and vibrant social culture, represents a natural next chapter for our brand's international growth."

The partnership is part of TGI Fridays' ongoing efforts to expand through its franchise-first development model. Over the past nine months, the company has signed new development agreements in Kenya and the Maldives, extended strategic partnerships in Peru, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Greece, Cyprus, and Spain, adding more than 150 restaurants to its global development pipeline.

Blerim Devolli, President of Devolli Group, added: "We are proud to bring TGI Fridays to Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in world-class brands and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across the region."

The addition of the Balkans further strengthens TGI Fridays' European footprint, complementing its established operations in Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The agreement underscores the continued momentum of TGI Fridays' franchise-first growth strategy, expanding into high-potential markets through experienced local partners.

"The Balkans represent one of Europe's most exciting growth opportunities, combining entrepreneurial energy, a thriving hospitality sector, and a culture that values gathering around the table," Broad noted. "Devolli Group is the right partner to introduce TGI Fridays to the Balkans. Their market expertise, operational excellence, and long-term vision give us tremendous confidence in what we can build together."

TGI Fridays, founded in 1965 as the world's first casual bar and grill, has been bringing people together through great food, handcrafted drinks, and unforgettable celebrations. The brand aims to bring its bar-forward atmosphere, bold and craveable menu, and high-energy dining experience to guests across the region, contributing to the continued growth of the Balkans' foodservice, tourism, and visitor economy.

"The partnership with Devolli Group marks more than expansion into a new region; it begins a long-term commitment to investing in local communities, creating opportunities, and bringing the unmistakable Fridays spirit to a new generation of guests across Southeast Europe," Broad concluded.

As TGI Fridays enters the Balkans for the first time, the brand continues to focus on accelerating global expansion while delivering the iconic Fridays experience with consistency, quality, and local relevance.