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Wendy’s signs development deals for Republic of Ireland, RomaniaWendy’s signs development deals for Republic of Ireland, Romania

Burger brand continues to expand presence in European markets

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

July 9, 2024

1 Min Read
Wendys June United Kingdom UK
The Wendy’s Co., which re-entered the United Kingdom in 2021, signs deals to develop restaurants in the Republic of Ireland and Romania.The Wendy's Co.

The Wendy's Co. has signed two new development agreements with franchisees in the Republic of Ireland and Romania, supporting the brand's European expansion goals, the company said Tuesday.

The Dublin, Ohio-based brand said Ireland and Romania are new markets for Wendy's, with plans to open restaurants beginning in 2025.

Wendy's re-entered the United Kingdom in 2021. It had exited the U.K. market in 2000.

The company expects to see as many as 50 restaurants in the U.K. market by year’s end, it said.

A spokesperson said the agreements call for 50 Wendy’s restaurants in Romania over the next decade, and 30 in Ireland over that same period.

E.J. Wunsch, Wendy’s president for international, said in a statement: "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.”

Michael Clarke, Wendy’s managing director for Europe, added: "It's an exciting time to be with the Wendy's team in Europe.”

Wendy's, founded in 1969, has more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide. Wendy's international presence represents 70% of the brand's planned expansion through 2025.

Update July 9, 2024: This story has been updated with numbers of restaurants in the development agreements.

Related:A Virginia Wendy's restaurant is testing drone delivery

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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