US casual dining brand unveils ambitious plans for the Kenyan market 

TGI Fridays, the US-based casual dining brand, is coming to Kenya. This will mark its official entry into sub-Saharan Africa, with up to 10 outlets planned in the East African country. 

The first restaurant is expected to open in November 2026 at the PrideInn Azure Hotel in Westlands, the central lifestyle hub of Nairobi. 

PrideInn Hotels, Resorts & Camps, a Kenyan hospitality brand established by entrepreneur Hasnain Noorani, is the local partner for the project. The partnership agreement between PrideInn and TGI Fridays was signed last week. 

TGI Fridays was founded in New York in 1965 and now operates nearly 400 restaurants in 40 countries. It is famous for its energetic, social environment and the slogan ‘In here, it’s always Friday’. 

Energy and excitement meets Kenyan warmth 

“Our vision is to create an experience where the energy and excitement of TGI Fridays meets the friendliness, warmth and welcoming spirit of Kenyan hospitality,” Noorani said at the ceremony held to mark the signing of the agreement. 

He noted that the agreement, which is for 10 years, will create jobs and strengthen the local food and beverage value chain by increasing demand for local suppliers and services. 

As it gears up to open the first TGI Fridays, PrideInn will establish a Centre of Excellence training kitchen to support hospitality skills development. The facility will offer industrial placements for 250 to 300 hospitality students annually. 

Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Phil Broad, Global President of TGI Fridays, said part of the menu would be adapted for the Kenyan market, but retain the brand’s core offerings. 

“We typically open a restaurant with 45 to 55 items on that menu. Seventy percent would be put forward by ourselves to make sure we have some of the dishes that are iconic to us,” he explained. The chain’s signature dishes include steaks, ribs, burgers and potato skins.