PrideInn Hotels partners with American restaurant chain TGI Fridays to launch first outlet in Kenya

The landmark agreement will see up to 10 TGI Fridays restaurants developed across the country, with the first location expected to open by the end of this year at PrideInn Azure.

The development marks TGI Fridays' official entry into both Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa, positioning the country as a new gateway for international lifestyle and dining brands looking to expand into the continent.

The deal was signed with Paradise Sea Investments Ltd, an affiliate of PrideInn Hotels, establishing a long-term partnership that will see the globally recognised casual dining brand expand across Kenya.

Industry observers say the move reflects growing global confidence in Kenya’s hospitality sector, which continues to attract international brands as tourism and business travel recover and expand.

Once operational, the restaurants will introduce TGI Fridays' signature bar-forward energy, bold American flavours, and celebration-led dining experience to the Kenyan market.

Known globally for turning everyday occasions into social, feel-good moments, the brand will bring a fresh and vibrant casual dining experience to Kenya’s growing hospitality and lifestyle scene.

The new restaurants will be integrated within PrideInn’s hotel portfolio, combining the international brand’s casual dining concept with PrideInn’s hospitality platform and locations across key destinations in Kenya.

PrideInn Group Managing Director Hasnain Noorani described the agreement as a significant milestone for the company and the country’s hospitality industry.

“We are proud that PrideInn secured this partnership to introduce TGI Fridays to Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership reflects the strength of our brand and our commitment to bringing world-class hospitality and lifestyle experiences to the region,” he said during a press briefing at PrideInn Azure. 

“Kenya is an exciting market with a growing hospitality sector and a strong culture of social dining,” said Phil Broad, Global President, TGI Fridays.

“Partnering with PrideInn Hotels and Resorts allows us to enter the market with an experienced local operator and an established hotel platform. We have seen excellent guest response to TGI Fridays restaurants located within hotels in markets such as the United States and the UAE, where guests value the familiarity, energy, and consistency of a globally recognised brand. We are confident this partnership will set the foundation for sustainable growth in Kenya.”

The Kenya partnership forms part of TGI Fridays’ broader international growth strategy as the company expands its footprint through franchise partnerships in emerging markets.

The brand currently operates nearly 400 restaurants in almost 40 countries, bringing people together through its craveable American classics, legendary cocktails and that unmistakable Fridays feeling.

The arrival of TGI Fridays is expected to strengthen Kenya’s food and beverage sector while enhancing the country’s position as a destination for international hospitality investment.