Wendy's to open first unit in SingaporeWendy's to open first unit in Singapore

Mark Brandau

ATLANTA Less than a week after confirming its withdrawal from Japan, Wendy's said it would open its first restaurant in Singapore this week.

The Wendy’s unit, the first of 35 to be opened in Singapore over the next decade by franchisee the Kopitiam Group, will be located at Lau Pa Sat Festival Market.

“The Kopitiam Group is a well-known and respected foodservice company,” said Andy Skehan, senior vice president of Wendy’s/Arby’s International. “This opening marks an important milestone in our efforts to grow in key international markets. Based on comprehensive analysis, we believe we have the long-term growth potential for more than 8,000 restaurants outside North America, including a much stronger presence in the Asia/Pacific region.”

Wendy’s said Dec. 11 it would close all 71 of its restaurants in Japan at the end of the year after it was unable to agree to new terms with Zensho Co. Ltd., the parent company of longtime Japanese franchisee Nihon Wendies. The closure accounted for slightly fewer than 10 percent of the brand’s 725 restaurants outside the United States.

However, the company said it would re-enter Japan when a new joint-venture partner is found. Wendy’s/Arby’s also signed a 135-unit development deal this year for the Middle East and North Africa. The company’s franchise agreement with Kopitiam Group was announced last May.

Kopitiam is the largest foodservice management company in Singapore, with annual sales of about 200 million Singapore dollars, which converts to about $143.5 million U.S.

“The addition of Wendy’s quality brand will complement the wide range of good businesses that we currently have in Singapore,” said Alden Tan, managing director of Kopitiam Group. “We believe Wendy’s signature menu and excellent value will have strong appeal to consumers.”

Contact Mark Brandau at [email protected].