Sugarloaf TGIF Management, which manages the global TGI Fridays brand, has entered two master franchise agreements to expand the chain in India and Mexico.
Under an agreement with USR Hospitality, TGI Fridays plans 51 locations across India.
USR has gained exclusive rights to develop franchised restaurants at airports nationwide, in addition to conventional high-street and mall sites.
John Neitzel, former president and chief operating officer of TGI Fridays, has joined USR Hospitality to back the brand’s rollout in the Indian market.
USR chairman Prasoon Mukherjee stated: "We are honoured to be the master franchisee in India and look forward to working with John to grow the TGI Fridays brand across the country.
"John is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the TGI Fridays brand and a strong record of success. His extensive knowledge, combined with our deep experience in the hospitality industry, understanding of what consumers in our markets crave, and real estate development expertise uniquely positions USR to drive unprecedented growth for the brand."
A separate agreement with Mid-City Operadora (MCO) covers a 50-unit development and master franchise for Mexico, seeking to meet demand for celebration-focused dining experiences.
MCO Mexico CEO and founder Alvaro Traconis stated: "We're excited to expand this great brand across Mexico with a new regional strategy that will bring the Fridays' energy to every corner of the country.
"As part of this master franchise, we plan to open a flagship Fridays in all 32 state capitals and major cities in Mexico. We also plan to develop restaurant training centres and build partnerships with new suppliers to deliver the good times and extraordinary flavours that characterise the brand to people across the country."
Sugarloaf also unveiled ownership transitions in two other markets.
In the Philippines, ownership of the Bistro Americano Group has passed to Tennyson Chen of Bounty Fresh, which will carry on with the existing development agreement for more than 40 sites.
In Spain, Yellowstone Capital is the new ownership group and is set to manage nine units.
In September 2025, Sugarloaf renewed development and master franchise agreements with existing partners Franquicias Alimentarias in Peru and Watami in Japan.
