US fast food chain Wendy’s is eyeing sites across the West of England as it looks to expand into the region. The brand operates a franchise model in Britain and is mulling the opening of some 400 restaurants across the country.
Harrow-based Khidmat, which was established as a franchisee earlier this year, has signed a development agreement with Wendy’s in the UK.
The Ohio-headquartered food brand first opened in 1969 and has grown to more than 7,200 restaurants with more than 1,200 of these located outside the US. Wendy’s is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, spicy chicken sandwich and nuggets, and other signature items such as chili baked potatoes.
Real estate firm Savills has been appointed by Khidmat to target locations in central Bath, Exeter and Plymouth due to the high levels of foot traffic from tourists and students. Khidmat is considering sites within these areas, including drive-thru, shopping centres and retail parks that span an approximate size of 2,500 sq ft, Savills said.
Jessica Hill, surveyor in restaurants and leisure at Savills, said: “Wendy’s has experienced phenomenal global growth in recent years, making substantial investments in local resources to strengthen its foothold for its ambitious expansion plans. We are delighted to be working with Khidmat in the South West to help bolster Wendy’s pipeline of new openings and reach its long-term target of 400 restaurants in the UK.”
Recent new restaurants openings include the Academy Business Park in Kirkby, Liverpool, which was the region’s first brick-and-mortar Wendy’s restaurant.