US fast food chain Wendy’s has announced plans to roll out “hundreds” of stores across Australia.
Wendy’s chief development officer Abigail Pringle said there was an appetite for the brand Down Under.
“We believe Australia is a lucrative market for long-term growth,” Ms Pringle told The Australian.
“We think that the Australian market could be hundreds of restaurants.”
Ms Pringle said the company believes it important to find the correct local partner and the right franchise model, which could be the form of an established food group that already operates other chains.
“We have to be careful with what that timeline is exactly because we want to pick the right partner. And that takes a little bit of time. But we think we can have hundreds of restaurants in the market over time,” she added.
Wendy’s has grown worldwide since it was founded by Dave Thomas Columbus, Ohio, in 1969.
It is now in 30 countries, including New Zealand.
The company, whose major competitors are McDonald’s and Burger King, has about 7000 outlets across the world. None have been in Australia but the brand has been in New Zealand for more than three decades.
Founded in 1969, the chain’s main offerings are burgers and fries — with a square hamburger a particular trademark — but information for potential Australian franchisees suggests salads, baked potatoes, its “Frosty” thickshakes and chilli con carne would also feature on menus.
Wendy’s would be the latest in a slew of US chains attempting to crack the Australian market, with Sydney and Melbourne now home to cult American burger chain Five Guys, while Carls Jr has opened in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and SA.
Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg’s food venture, Wahlburgers, has similarly opened outlets in NSW and Queensland, while Perth locals queued for hours when Mexican outfit Taco Bell opened in Midland. There are now three stores in WA, operated by ASX-listed Collins Foods.
Register and have your say.
Already have an account?