Wendy's burger chain has unveiled its UK expansion strategy, aiming to bring its brand to more consumers across the country. The company is on course to open its 50th restaurant in the UK.
As part of its 2025 expansion plans, Wendy's will establish a presence in Scotland for the first time.
Michael Clarke, Managing Director, Europe for The Wendy’s Company said of the plan for increased openings: “We see huge potential in the UK market, with plans to add more than 150 new restaurants across the UK and surrounding countries by 2028.
“This year, we will focus on accelerating our expansion efforts so more people across the UK can enjoy Wendy’s craveable menu and exceptional customer hospitality. We have a solid foundation in the market and believe we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth trajectory even further.”
Wendy's is set to open new restaurants in Blackpool, Glasgow, Grays (Lakeside), Watford, and York in the coming months, creating over 150 jobs offering competitive salaries and benefits. Additionally, the company plans to invest approximately $70 million in its Build-To-Suit program in 2025 to accelerate restaurant expansion across the US, Canada, and the UK.
“Wendy’s franchisees are at the heart of the brand’s expansion plans, both in the UK and internationally, and strong franchise partnerships enable us to grow at scale,” Clarke added. “We’re deeply committed to supporting our UK franchisees and making co-investments through our Build-To-Suit program, which is a key incentive for them to grow with us.”
The Build-To-Suit model is designed to accelerate Wendy's restaurant expansion in the UK, deliver strong returns, and provide faster investment payback for franchisees. Wendy's also plans to collaborate with both established and new franchise partners to further grow its presence across the country.