US fast food giant Wendy’s could return to Northern Ireland

US fast food giant Wendy’s could return to Northern Ireland
American fast food chain Wendy’s could be on the way back to Northern Ireland as part of its UK relaunch.

The company, which owns 6,500 restaurants, previously had a presence in the UK and Ireland, but withdrew in 1999.

However, the company plans to open 50 sites next year, buoyed by the success of its return so far. The bulk of its restaurants are run on a franchise basis.

Wendy’s recently five opened restaurants in Britain and chief development officer Abigail Pringle said new restaurants are due to open in Brighton and the Midlands of England next year.

She said the fast food chain is now in discussions with franchise partners in Northern Ireland, the Republic, as well as in Scotland and Wales.

“We have seen incredible success that outperformed our expectations, and it’s clear to us that customers are loving our fresh, high-quality food,” she said.

Paul Hilder, Wendy’s managing director for the UK and Canada, said: “We’re in the final stages of discussions with two traditional franchise partners who will help the brand cross the Midlands and the North of England, and we have a very strong pipeline of franchise candidates beyond that.”