KARACHI  –  TGI Fridays announced a landmark development agreement on Tuesday with Meerab Hospitality, marking an exciting chapter for the brand in Pakistan and further accelerating its growth across South Asia. Following the brand’s recent development agreement in the Maldives, the partnership reinforces TGI Fridays’ strategy of expanding its global footprint through strategic, long-term franchise partnerships.

With more than 240 million people and a median age of just 21, Pakistan offers scale, youth and long-term growth potential.

Rapid urbanisation, investment in malls and mixed-use destinations, and an evolving dining culture are creating new opportunities for international restaurant brands as consumers increasingly seek experience-led dining. Through its partnership with Meerab Hospitality, TGI Fridays will bring its signature combination of bold American flavors, legendary mocktails, high-energy atmosphere and unmistakable Fridays hospitality to one of South Asia’s most dynamic consumer markets.  Meerab Hospitality, the franchise and development arm of Meerab Properties, combines a two-decade track record across the Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia with extensive international hospitality experience. This supports Pakistan’s growing appetite for international dining experiences, creating employment, investing in local hospitality talent and bringing the Fridays spirit to a new generation of guests. “We don’t enter a market like Pakistan because it’s on a list — we enter it because the fundamentals are right and the partner is right,” said Phil Broad, Global President, TGI Fridays. “Pakistan has one of the youngest populations anywhere in the world and a retail landscape that’s evolving fast. Meerab Hospitality understands that better than an outside operator could, and their hospitality background means they know how to run a room, not just build one.

 That’s the combination we look for.”

“Pakistan is an exciting market, with a new generation of guests looking for more than just a meal. TGI Fridays has always been at its best when we bring people together, create a little theatre and give guests a reason to celebrate louder and come back again.

 Pakistan gives us an exciting new stage to do exactly that.”

 Pervaiz Iqbal Shahid, Founder and Group CEO, Meerab Properties, said:

“We are delighted to bring TGI Fridays back to Pakistan and to begin a new chapter for this iconic global brand in the country.  Our first flagship restaurant is targeted to open within the next 12 months at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Hotel complex in Lahore. This will provide an exceptional launch platform for the brand and establish the standard for the restaurants that follow.

“Over the next decade, we look forward to developing TGI Fridays across Pakistan through a carefully considered combination of company-owned and approved sub-franchised restaurants.”