Wendy’s to take on the Australian burger market
American burger chain Wendy’s has signed a deal to open 200 stores across Australia.
The fast food giant’s deal with Pizza Hut operator Flynn Restaurant Group, will see the iconic square patties served up in stores around the country from 2025.
Wendy’s is the third largest burger chain globally after McDonald’s and Burger King.
The deal comes after the company successfully tested the water with a pop up in Sydney in 2012.
Wendy’s international president, Abigail Pringle said Australia was a “high priority, strategic growth market”.
“Flynn Restaurant Group has incredible experience in the restaurant space, and we are thrilled to expand our relationship with them,” she said.
“They have a strong leadership team, great culture, vast industry knowledge, success with our brand in the US.
“We are confident that Flynn Restaurant Group is the right partner to unlock growth for Wendy’s in Australia.”
The company plans to open 200 stores by 2034.
Flynn is in the process of a major expansion, having just acquired more than 250 Pizza Hut stores and now has an expansive list of stores including 926 Pizza Hut outlets, Applebees, Arby’s, Taco Bell, and Panera Bakery Cafe.
It currently operates 190 Wendy’s stores across five US states in the US.
Flynn Restaurant Group CEO Ron Bellamy said of the Wendy’s expansion, “It is (Wendy’s) a tremendous brand with significant untapped potential outside of the US.
“We think it is an especially great fit for Australia, given the savvy nature of the Australian consumer.
“We look forward to expanding the brand in the market and in the process redefining what Australians should expect from QSR.”
Wendy’s has previously operated in Australia, with its first store opening in Melbourne in 1982. It had 11 locations across the country but collapsed three years later with $8 million in debt.
The latest incarnation may present a legal battle between the US chain and the operator of the 120 Wendy’s Milk Bar stores open across Australia and New Zealand.
Jonathan Jackson, 10th August 2023
