Dallas – September 09, 2026 -- TGI Fridays has signed a development agreement with Devolli Group to open ten restaurants across Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, marking the brand's first entry into the Balkans.
Devolli Group secures exclusive sub-franchise rights across three Balkan markets
Under the deal, Devolli Group will build and operate ten TGI Fridays locations while holding exclusive sub-franchise rights for the entire territory. The agreement creates a platform for long-term expansion across Southeast Europe, giving Devolli Group control over future growth decisions in the region.
Deal advances TGI Fridays' target of 1,000 global restaurants by 2030
The Balkans agreement forms part of the company's 1-2-3 Strategic Vision, which aims to grow the chain to more than 1,000 restaurants worldwide by 2030. Over the past nine months, TGI Fridays has signed new development agreements in Kenya and the Maldives and strengthened existing partnerships in Peru, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Greece, Cyprus and Spain. Combined, these agreements have added more than 150 restaurants to the brand's global development pipeline.
Devolli Group brings diversified operations in manufacturing, food production and hospitality
Devolli Group, based in Kosovo, is one of the largest private groups in Southeast Europe, with operations spanning manufacturing, agri-food production, hospitality, retail, real estate and strategic investments across multiple international markets. Phil Broad, Global President of TGI Fridays, said the Balkans combine entrepreneurial momentum with a growing hospitality sector, calling Devolli Group "the ideal partner" to launch the brand in the region. Blerim Devolli, Chairman of Devolli Group, said the partnership reflects the company's commitment to investing in globally recognized brands across Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Balkans expansion adds to existing TGI Fridays footprint in Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Norway and the UK
The new agreement extends TGI Fridays' European network, which already includes established operations in Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Norway and the United Kingdom. The brand currently operates close to 400 restaurants across nearly 40 countries under a franchise-driven growth model.