PopUp Bagels Names Mike Smith COO
PopUp Bagels welcomes industry veteran Mike Smith as Chief Operating Officer to lead their next phase of growth, putting quality and guest experience at the forefront.
Jul 28, 2026
PopUp Bagels welcomes industry veteran Mike Smith as Chief Operating Officer to lead their next phase of growth, putting quality and guest experience at the forefront.
Jul 28, 2026
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TGI Fridays emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy under new ownership, focused on growth and stability. Discover what's next for the iconic chain and its global operations.
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TGI Fridays emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy under new ownership, focused on growth and stability. Discover what's next for the iconic chain and its global operations.

After nearly two years of financial turbulence, TGI Fridays is stepping into a new era. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has officially approved the brand’s Chapter 11 liquidation plan, bringing to a close a process that began in late 2024. This decisive step finalizes the bankruptcy and allows the business to move forward with renewed confidence and clarity. Thanks to the approved plan, TGI Fridays can now distribute assets to creditors and dissolve its previous corporate structure, while the brand itself remains vibrant and operational under new leadership. For restaurant owners, this underscores the resilience and adaptability required in today’s market. As the dust settles, it also reveals significant insights about what it takes to steer a legacy hospitality brand through crisis and toward renewal.
The transition to Sugarloaf Hospitality marks a pivotal shift for the global casual dining giant. Led by Ray Blanchette, who returned to the helm in 2025, Sugarloaf Hospitality has emphasized that ongoing operations and franchisees are independent from the prior bankruptcy proceedings. No additional store closures are expected as part of the liquidation, providing much-needed security for operators and employees alike. This change represents more than just new financial backing - it signals an ambitious future. With 400-plus locations worldwide, TGI Fridays now plans to add an impressive 600 new stores over the next four years, demonstrating significant faith in the brand’s potential.
Behind the scenes, TGI Fridays’ “1-2-3 Strategic Vision” is powering the company’s ambitious comeback. This turnaround plan centers on brand activation, embracing flexible restaurant formats, strengthening the franchise system, and investing in strong leadership. By targeting over 1,000 locations and aiming for $2 billion in annual revenue by 2030, the company is taking a holistic approach to sustainable growth. For restaurant professionals, this journey provides a blueprint to drive long-term recovery and expansion by modernizing operations, enhancing franchise support, and embracing diverse growth strategies. It’s a clear reminder that continual reinvention and investment in people are key ingredients for future-proofing a hospitality brand.
With the Chapter 11 process concluded, TGI Fridays serves as a high-profile example of turning adversity into opportunity. The company’s renewed focus on franchisee support, operational innovation, and global expansion offers valuable lessons for leaders everywhere. While Fridays’ journey was unique, the strategies it used can inspire restaurateurs to build resilience in their own businesses - through change management, operational improvement, and a relentless pursuit of new growth. The casual dining sector is evolving fast. Those willing to adapt, nurture their teams, and act boldly - like TGI Fridays - stand the best chance of not just surviving, but thriving, in the years to come.
As TGI Fridays rolls out its expansion plans, workforce management and compliance will be more critical than ever. Restaurant leaders looking to emulate this kind of growth should prioritize solutions that streamline operations, safeguard safety standards, and empower employees at every level. Leveraging the right technology can help sharpen your competitive edge as your business scales or innovates, no matter the economic climate.
The conclusion of TGI Fridays’ bankruptcy presents more than a single company’s comeback story - it’s a case study in transformation, leadership, and innovation for the entire restaurant industry. As TGI Fridays marches toward its aggressive growth objectives, other operators have a chance to reflect on the methods and mindset that drive true resurgence. Adapting to new realities, future-proofing your brand, and leveraging powerful operational tools will be defining elements for success in the fast-changing dining landscape.