Liverpool gets a TGI Friday's in record-breaking deal

TGI Friday’s is to open in Liverpool - in a deal thought to be the highest anyone has ever paid for a restaurant site outside of London. 

The popular American-themed bar and restaurant will join the 13 other “brands” on Liverpool ONE’s Leisure Terrace this spring in the 5,785 sq ft unit.

So keen was the 60-branch chain to open in Liverpool, a city seemingly off its radar for many years, that it made an unsolicited offer to another chain, Pesto, which had a 25 year lease on the site. This was an undisclosed seven-figure, record breaking sum (rumoured to be around £1.3m) which Pesto couldn't refuse. 

It's more evidence that Liverpool is flavour of the month as far as big-hitter corporate catering goes. The popular burgers n fajitas franchise is the sixth food and drinks operator to sign at Liverpool ONE within the last 10 months, joining Byron, Browns, Hotel Chocolat Cocoa Bar Cafe, Home and Ed’s Easy Diner.

Now Pesto off

Jeremy Collins, director of Jenics, who advised Pesto on the sale, told the Business Desk: "The offer was so substantial that it was difficult to reject and the proceeds will enable Pesto to reinvest in the roll out of its Pesto in the Pub’ concept, which is going from strength to strength across the North West and Midlands.” 

Located close to the Odeon cinema, TGI Friday’s will feature retro interior, booth seating, widescreen TVs and surfboard tables. 

Donna Howitt, Marketing and Business Performance Director at Liverpool ONE said: “Trends are also showing that more and more people are choosing Liverpool ONE as their destination for dinner out with their friends and family so we are thrilled to welcome this great new addition.” 

Read AA Grill's review here.