Food Retailing / Supermarkets

Wendy’s Sets Return to Japan

First restaurant to open later this year in Tokyo

Published

13 years ago

March 3, 2011

VMSD Staff

Wendy’s/Arby’s Intl Inc. (Atlanta) said it is teaming with Higa Industries Co. Ltd. (Tokyo) to re-enter the Japanese market. The fast-food chain had exited Japan in December 2009, when it did not renew an agreement with its former franchisee for the country, resulting in the closure of 71 restaurants.

Higa and Wendy/Arby’s said their first Wendy’s restaurant is expected to open in Tokyo later this year, with plans “to rapidly expand the brand throughout the country in the coming years.” The partners did not give a specific number of planned restaurant openings.

Higa Industries is led by Ernest Higa, who owned and operated 180 Domino’s Pizza stores in Japan before selling this business in February 2010. “As an entrepreneur who’s had past success with a Western QSR brand in Japan, I’m excited for the opportunity we have with Wendy’s and the potential to further adapt its quality product line for the Japanese consumer,” said Higa.

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