Wendy’s Enters Japan Market

The first Wendy’s restaurant in Japan, located in Tokyo’s Omotesando area, has opened through Wendy’s Japan LLC, a joint venture between Wendy’s (Dublin, Ohio) and Higa Industries Co., Ltd. (Tokyo).

Wendy’s Japan plans to open approximately 100 restaurants within the next five years in the country, reports QSR Magazine.

Ernest Higa, founder of Higa Industries and ceo of the joint venture, has experience owning and operating more than 150 Domino’s Pizza stores in Japan before selling the business in 2010.

“The opening of our first joint venture restaurant in Japan is an important step in our international growth plans, and an expression of our confidence in the bright future of Japan,” says Darrell van Ligten, president, international, for The Wendy’s Co.

The restaurants will serve Wendy’s regular menu items as well as new options created exclusively for the Japanese market, including the Avocado Wasabi hamburger and the Truffle and Porcini Grilled Chicken sandwich.