TGI Fridays at White Rose Leeds at risk after restaurant chain issues notice to appoint administrators

It is the second time in a matter of weeks that the company behind TGI Fridays - Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group - has issued the notice, having only taken bought it out of administration last year.

The notice was issued on December 19 and has caused concern for staff and those associated with the American family dining restaurant chain, which was first launched in 1965. The previous notice was made on December 5.

The last remaining branch in Leeds are at White Rose Shopping Centre following the closure of the sites at the Trinity Shopping Centre and at the bottom of Kirkstall Road last year.

The legal move essentially prevents any debt collectors from swooping in and gives the directors space to devise a survival plan.

In July the company launched a “full brand reset” with a new menu that saw the recipes revamped and new offers implemented at their 49 remaining restaurants. It also introduced new features such as a photo booth and candy floss machines.

Phil Broad, president of TGI Fridays international franchising, confirmed the move, adding: “This step brings the new owners, who assumed control last month, closer to securing and strengthening the long-term future of TGI Fridays in the UK.”

He said that the priority was on protect the 2,000 plus members of staff, adding that the restaurants would remain open over the Christmas period.