The US burger franchise Wendy's is poised to generate more than 400 employment opportunities as it embarks on a significant expansion throughout the UK this year.
Renowned for its square-shaped burgers, the chain made its comeback to the UK market in 2021 following a 20-year absence.
Since then, it has launched approximately 30 restaurants, delivery kitchens, and drive-through locations, with an additional nine slated for launch this year.
Among these, the expansion will feature its first bricks-and-mortar establishment in Liverpool, a restaurant in Middlesbrough, and a second high-street location in Sheffield.
Wendy's newest franchisee, GH Burgers, is gearing up to unveil its first restaurant in London's Wood Green later this year.
New restaurants are also set to debut in Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, Cambridge, and Newcastle.
Recruitment has already commenced for the new sites, and Wendy's anticipates that they will collectively generate over 400 job opportunities.
Michael Clarke, UK managing director, Europe, for the Wendy's Company, said: 'We've seen great momentum in building Wendy's fandom in the UK, and the love and excitement for this iconic brand grows stronger with each new restaurant opening.'
Established in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969, Wendy's boasts over 6,000 restaurants across the United States, with the UK marking its sole European presence thus far.
The brand's strategy involves leveraging the UK as a launchpad to expand into the wider European market, with plans underway to recruit franchisees for expansion into Ireland and Spain.