Wendy’s Heads to Ireland, Romania

The Wendy’s Co. (Dublin, Ohio) said it has signed two new development agreements with franchisees in the Republic of Ireland and Romania. Those franchisees plan to support Wendy’s goals to develop hundreds of restaurants across Europe over the next decade, beginning in 2025.

Wendy’s re-entered the United Kingdom in 2021, which serves as the foothold for growth across Europe. The Company expects to see up to 50 restaurants in the market by year-end and is in a great position to continue growing the brand in the U.K. to 400 restaurants over time.

“We are continuing our journey to become a brand of increased global significance, and Europe is a high-priority, strategic growth market to expand Wendy’s presence internationally,” said Wendy’s President, International E.J. Wunch. “To accelerate our momentum, we are focused on building relationships with franchisees who share our ambition to grow and scale Wendy’s restaurant footprint across the continent.”

The company did not say specifically how many outlets it planned in Ireland and Romania. But it did say Wendy’s international presence will account for 70 percent of the brand’s planned expansion through 2025.

The brand, which made its name on made-to-order square hamburgers, has more than 7000 restaurants worldwide across 30-plus markets and territories.