What can we expect from Wendy’s as US giant announces plans to open in Ireland

Wendy’s is coming to Ireland next year, but what can we expect from the US fast-food chain’s upcoming venture into the fast-food market.

After announcing back in 2022 that it was seeking to launch franchisees in Ireland as part of its international expansion, it was confirmed this week that Wendy’s will be arriving on our shores early next year.

The fast-food company returned to the UK in 2021 following a 20-year absence, there are now 31 Wendy’s operating in the region with the US giants seeking to open over 350 more.

Speaking about its upcoming Irish launch, J Wunsch, president, international, for Wendy’s said: ‘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.’

He added: ‘To accelerate our momentum, we are focused on building relationships with franchisees who share our ambition to grow and scale Wendy’s restaurant footprint across the continent.’

Despite Wendy’s establishing a company on our shores in 1981, it dissolved in 2003 after never trading.

Founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus Ohio, the chain is the world’s third-largest burger fast-food chain, with only Burger King and McDonald’s having more locations in the US.

Known for their square hamburger patties served on circular buns, sea salt fried and its Frosty milkshake, there are currently 6,038 Wendy’s restaurants in the United States.

It’s expected that 30 new restaurants will open across Ireland over the following 10 years as part of their bid to make a name for itself in the Irish market.

The hotly-contested Irish burger market is currently dominated by McDonald’s, Burger King and Supermacs.

More and more US fast-food chains have turned their attention to Ireland in recent years, with Carl’s Jr.’s announcing their plans to set up shop in Ireland earlier in the year.

Back in 2018 donut store Krispy Kreme was the talk of the Irish capital after opening its first Irish outlet near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

However, it was forced to shut the 24-hour drive-thru in under a week following multiple complaints from local residents who were not impressed with lengthy queues forming outside the outlet in the middle of the night.