The Wendy’s Co. said Thursday it has entered into an agreement with The Wissol Group, which said it will open 25 restaurants in the countries of Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan over the next decade.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Recognized as one of the biggest business groups in Georgia, Wissol said it would open its first Wendy’s location in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi in 2013.
“Georgia is a dynamic market with long-term growth potential for the Wendy’s brand, and it plays an important role in our continued expansion in Eastern Europe,” said Darrell van Lighten, president, International, The Wendy’s Co.
“We’re privileged to have the opportunity to team with a strong, highly capable organization like The Wissol Group, which shares our passion for quality and exceptional customer service,” he added.
Samson Pkhakadze, president of The Wissol Group, said the development of the new Wendy’s locations “will bring additional jobs to our local economy.”
The Wissol Group holdings also include such businesses as Smart Retail, a supermarket chain; Wissol Petroleum Georgia, a chain of gas stations in Georgia; Air Wissol, a supplier of jet fuel for international airlines; and Delta Holding, a construction company.
Wendy’s competitor McDonald’s currently operates four restaurants in Georgia.
Wendy’s has more than 6,500 company-owned and franchised outlets in the United States and 27 countries and U.S. territories.
Contact Paul Frumkin at paul.frumkin@penton.com.