WENDY’S (WENJAI Restaurant Group)

Wendy's, established in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, is a globally recognized fast-food chain renowned for its square hamburgers, sea salt fries, and the signature Frosty dessert.

As of November 2023, Wendy's operates 7,166 outlets worldwide, with 83% of these located in the United States.

The menu at Wendy's features a variety of items, including hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and sides like chili and baked potatoes. The company emphasizes the use of fresh, never frozen beef in its burgers, setting it apart from many competitors.

In recent years, Wendy's has expanded its offerings to include breakfast items, catering to a broader customer base.

Global Expansion Plans

In 2023, Wendy's announced plans to return to Australia, with hundreds of locations set to open across the country. The chain previously operated in Australia from the 1970s until it closed in 1986.

However, Wendy’s has encountered a potential issue with the trademark, as Wendy's Milk Bar, a different fast food outlet, already owns the Wendy's name in Australia. Wendy's Milk Bar opened in 1979 and has operated for over 40 years.

In January 2025, Wendy's opened its first store in Surfers Paradise, Australia.

In July 2024, Wendy's signed an agreement with franchisees in the Republic of Ireland to open 30 new restaurants across the country over the next 10 years, starting in early 2025.

The company also announced plans to open the first five restaurants in Romania in 2025. The Romanian franchisor is Canadian company JKC Capital, which operates 61 Wendy's restaurants in Canada and plans a $200 million investment over the next decade.

Presence in the United States

Wendy's has a significant presence in the US, with 5,958 locations across 51 states and territories.

Florida leads with 522 locations, followed by Texas with 466, and Ohio with 407.

Major cities with the highest number of Wendy's restaurants include:

• Houston, Texas (46 locations)
• Miami, Florida (38 locations)
• Orlando, Florida (34 locations)

Menu and Brand

Wendy's continues to focus on menu innovation, adapting to customer preferences and regional tastes.

The chain is known for its strong social media presence, often engaging customers with a witty and humorous tone.

The company prides itself on providing a higher quality fast-food experience with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Locations

WENDY’S (WENJAI Restaurant Group) maintains numerous locations across the United States, including:

• El Paso, TX, USA
• Knoxville, TN, USA
• Las Cruces, NM, USA
• Chattanooga, TN, USA
• Augusta, GA, USA
• North Augusta, SC, USA
• Charleston, SC, USA

These locations demonstrate the company’s widespread regional presence across key markets in the US.

Summary

Wendy's offers a diverse menu centered around fresh, never frozen beef burgers and has a global footprint with a strong presence in the United States.

The company's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position as a leading fast-food chain worldwide.