Global burger chain Wendy’s has signed the Flynn Restaurant Group as the exclusive master franchisee for Australia.
Wendy’s master franchise agreement with the world’s largest franchise operator will drive growth in Australia primarily after 2025.
The goal is to open 200 restaurants across the country through a combination of equity stores and sub-franchisees.
Wendy’s tested Sydneysiders appetite for the brand with a successful one-day pop-up event in 2021. It announced early in 2023 it was searching for potential master franchise partners.
Wendy’s master franchisee will unlock growth
Abigail Pringle, president, international and chief development officer of The Wendy’s Company, emphasised that Australia is a strategic market for long-term growth.
“Flynn Restaurant Group has incredible experience in the restaurant space, and we are thrilled to expand our relationship with them. They have a strong leadership team, great culture, vast industry knowledge and success with our brand in the US.
“We are confident that Flynn Restaurant Group is the right partner to unlock growth for Wendy’s in Australia.”
Ron Bellamy, chief operating officer of Flynn Restaurant Group said the team is excited to expand its partnership with Wendy’s.
Flynn Restaurant Group to re-define QSR in Australia
“It is a tremendous brand with significant untapped potential outside of the US and we think it is an especially great fit for Australia, given the savvy nature of the Australian consumer. We look forward to expanding the brand in the market and in the process re-defining what Australians should expect from QSR.”
The Flynn Restaurant Group owns and operates 2,600 restaurants in the US and Australia. It operates Applebee’s, Arby’s, Panera, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Wendy’s outlets. Flynn generates US$4.5 billion in sales and employs 75,000 people.
In June 2023 it announced it was taking on the master franchisee licence for Pizza Hut Australia.
