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.
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