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Wendy’s, the iconic global quick-service restaurant brand based in the United States, has announced the signing of two new development agreements with franchisees in the Republic of Ireland and Romania.
Wendy’s Enter New European Markets
These franchisees aim to support Wendy’s expansion goals by developing hundreds of restaurants across Europe over the next decade, starting in 2025. Additionally, the company is actively recruiting well-established franchisee candidates in European markets to help broaden its presence across the continent. Wendy’s is seeking franchisees with substantial operational experience, local development expertise, and a proven track record of rapidly growing brands.
Wendy’s re-entered the United Kingdom in 2021, which serves as the foothold for growth across Europe. The company expects to see up to 50 restaurants in the market by year-end and is in a great position to continue growing the brand in the U.K. to 400 restaurants over time.
Franchisee Recruitment for Continental Growth
The brand continues to expand its brand presence across the United Kingdom alongside its franchisees, including in the north, with a restaurant opening in Liverpool this summer. The company has significantly invested in local resources to support its growth across Europe, including a robust supply chain, regional operations teams, and world-class marketing and creative agency partners.
E.J. Wunch, President, International for The Wendy’s Company, said, “We are continuing our journey to become a brand of increased global significance, and Europe is a high-priority, strategic growth market to expand Wendy’s presence internationally. To accelerate our momentum, we are focused on building relationships with franchisees who share our ambition to grow and scale Wendy’s restaurant footprint across the continent.”
Michael Clarke, Managing Director for Wendy’s Europe, said, “It’s an exciting time to be with the Wendy’s team in Europe. Brand fans and customers continue to ask us, “Where is Wendy’s opening next?” We are ready to answer the demand by bringing more Wendy’s to more people – putting our fresh, high-quality and delicious food into the hands of European consumers where they live, work and play.”
A Legacy Since 1969
Established in 1969 by Dave Thomas, Wendy’s opened its first restaurant at 257 East Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. The quick-service chain quickly gained a reputation for its made-to-order square beef hamburgers, featuring patties made from fresh beef and served hot off the grill. Wendy’s offers a wide range of signature menu items, including the Baconator®, Dave’s Single™, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and the beloved Frosty® dessert, which is thick enough to use a spoon but smooth enough to use a straw.
Wendy’s Continues Global Growth Momentum
Wendy’s is on a trajectory of global growth momentum. With more than 7,000 restaurant outlets worldwide across 30+ markets and territories, we continue to execute our ambitious strategy to accelerate global growth and expand our presence internationally.
The brand has more than 7,000 restaurant outlets worldwide across 30+ markets and territories, and it continues to execute its ambitious strategy to accelerate global growth and expand its presence internationally.
Wendy’s international presence represents 70 per cent of the brand’s planned expansion through 2025. Several incremental and accelerated commitments are in place to rapidly expand the brand’s global footprint and make meaningful headway towards further solidifying its long-term development pipeline.
In 2023, Wendy’s achieved its 13th consecutive year of global same-restaurant sales growth and continues to see acceleration in markets worldwide. This has been made possible by the strong partnerships the brand has built with its franchisees and supplier partners.
