TGI Friday's mulls brand extension for smaller sites and sharing

TGI Friday's could introduce a brand extension that would allow restaurants in smaller locations or a more grown-up experience.

That's according to Karen Forrester, the UK managing director of American restaurant chain TGI Friday's.

Forrester, who is widely credited with turning the UK business around, said that the brand could grow to 80 or possibly even 85 sites from its current 56.

But after that, a different approach could be required.

"There are still big pockets of the country where we wouldn't be represented where we might have to look at a smaller or different model, but always Friday's," she said.

"It may be just a bit more grown-up, perhaps a bit smaller, or maybe a slightly different menu. In Manchester we have just launched a small plates offer and we are doing brilliantly. It's no longer a case of waiting until everyone has their meal before they start. This is not the way the trends are going. We are moving to a much more fluid run-when-ready style of dining, with much more sharing."

Forrester said she was also pleased to see that the business, which has now seen 15 consecutive quarters of growth, was seeing growth at every one of its restaurants across the country. Many TGI Friday's restaurants are now being, or have recently been, extended - including Basildon in Essex, Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, and Teesside.

TGI Friday's turned over £147.7m in 2012 and made a profit of £7.5m.

*\ For a full interview with Karen Forrester, watch out for Caterer and Hotelkeeper on 24 May *

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