Wendy’s takes on McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s with first Australian store in four decades
The country’s hotly contested burger war is about to escalate with US fast-food giant Wendy’s throwing open the doors of its first Australian store this week.
Wendy’s is bringing its signature menu items like the square hamburger patties and chicken tenders, as well as its frosty dessert, to a shopfront on the Gold Coast on Wednesday.
The store, located on Cavill Avenue in Surfer’s Paradise, is the first of the 200 locations expected to open in the country by 2034, and marks the return of the brand in Australia after four decades.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.It is still unknown whether the rollout plans include WA.
The brand’s entrance into the Australian market was driven by California-based Flynn Group, which acquired the master franchisee license for Wendy’s in the country in 2023.
Flynn Group is world’s biggest franchisee and is behind thousands of Wendy’s, Applebee’s, Arby’s and Taco Bell stores in the US.
It expanded into Australia two years ago when it acquired Pizza Hut from private equity firm Allegro Funds, adding 260 stores to its portfolio.
Flynn Group chief transformation officer Lauren Leahy said it was proud to bring a fresh approach to the Australian food scene.
“The Wendy’s brand was built on doing things differently, from square hamburgers to being one of the most talked about brands on social media,” she said.
“Wendy’s embraces a challenger mindset, and we think Australians do too. We’ve put our guests in the centre of every detail from a vibrant new restaurant design with a laser focus on delivering the best chicken and hamburger experience.”
Wendy’s international president E.J. Wunsch said the opening of the first Australian store showcased the brand’s global relevance and proven ability to travel around the world.
“With Flynn Group’s expertise and passion, we have crafted a restaurant experience that blends Wendy’s iconic square hamburgers and craveable chicken offerings with bold menu innovation crafted with Aussies in mind,” he said.
“This is the start of a journey to bring Wendy’s unique fresh, famous food to fans across Australia as we continue our expansion throughout the Asia Pacific region.”
Wendy’s opened its first Australian store in Melbourne in 1982 but the chain collapsed three years later after expanding to 11 locations. It had $8 million in debt.
