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Ray Blanchette Rescues TGI Fridays, Plans Global Expansion

4/4/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ray Blanchette, former TGI Fridays kitchen manager, rescued the parent company from administration in 2025.
In January 2025, he acquired the UK arm, retaining 33 restaurants and closing 16.
The changes resulted in 456 job losses.
Blanchette plans to invest over £2.5 million to improve conditions and staff training.
Blanchette believes the brand can expand globally from its 420 outlets.

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Story summary

Ray Blanchette, former TGI Fridays kitchen manager, rescued the parent company from administration in 2025.
In January 2025, he acquired the UK arm, retaining 33 restaurants and closing 16.
The changes resulted in 456 job losses.
Blanchette plans to invest over £2.5 million to improve conditions and staff training.
Blanchette believes the brand can expand globally from its 420 outlets.