The deal marks TGI Fridays entry into both the Kenyan and Sub-Saharan African markets. Kenya is set to host the first TGI Fridays restaurant in Sub-Saharan Africa following a franchise agreement between PrideInn Hotels, Resorts & Camps and the global casual dining chain.
Under the agreement, PrideInn plans to open up to 10 TGI Fridays outlets in Kenya. The first restaurant is expected to open by the end of the year at PrideInn Azure in Nairobi. The deal marks TGI Fridays entry into both the Kenyan and Sub-Saharan African markets.
Founded in 1965, TGI Fridays operates nearly 400 restaurants in about 40 countries. The chain serves a menu that includes burgers, steaks, ribs, chicken wings, seafood, desserts and cocktails. TGI Fridays Global President Phil Broad said part of the menu would be adapted for the Kenyan market while retaining the brand's core offerings.
“So we typically open a restaurant with 45 to 55 items on that menu. Seventy per cent would be put forward by ourselves to make sure we have some of the dishes that are iconic to us,” he said. The agreement was signed with Paradise Sea Investments Ltd., an affiliate of PrideInn Hotels.
PrideInn Group Managing Director Hasnain Noorani said the planned rollout would create jobs and include staff training under the TGI Fridays operating system. The development comes as international hospitality and restaurant brands continue expanding into the Kenyan market.