2 years ago today, TGI Fridays declared bankruptcy. Now, its CEO says the company never thinks about it.

What happened: TGI Fridays' former corporate entity filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 2, 2024. CEO Ray Blanchette, who returned in January 2025, said the company now focuses on supporting franchisees and does not discuss the bankruptcy. Key numbers: $37 million in debt at filing; 70 franchisee-run US Why it matters: Blanchette said the chain is seeing "a resurgence of the brand" and has signed its first domestic development agreement in 10 years, with growth plans in Peru, the Maldives, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Balkans. He said the turnaround depends on franchisee health.

TGI Fridays' former corporate entity filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 2, 2024. CEO Ray Blanchette, who returned in January 2025, said the company now focuses on supporting franchisees and does not discuss the bankruptcy.

Blanchette said the chain is seeing "a resurgence of the brand" and has signed its first domestic development agreement in 10 years, with growth plans in Peru, the Maldives, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Balkans. He said the turnaround depends on franchisee health.