Wendy's Celebrates Opening of 500th Restaurant in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) Region

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Wendy's has achieved a significant global expansion milestone with the opening of its 500th restaurant in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region. The landmark restaurant, located in Nagano, Japan, features the brand's new Global Next Gen design combining modern innovation with advanced technology.

The company recently marked several expansion milestones, including its 160th restaurant in India and the first of 200 planned locations in Australia at Surfers Paradise, Queensland. Wendy's is also expanding in Europe with new restaurants planned in Romania, Scotland, and Ireland for 2025.

The Nagano location, operated by Wendy's Japan K.K., represents their 75th Wendy's First Kitchen restaurant. The brand distinguishes itself through fresh, made-to-order square hamburgers, premium chicken products, Hot & Crispy fries, and the iconic Frosty® dessert, while adapting menu innovations to regional tastes.

Milestone marks significant progress towards expanding the brand's global presence

DUBLIN, Ohio, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wendy's Company announced today a major global growth milestone with the opening of the 500^th Wendy's® restaurant in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region. The restaurant, located in Nagano, Japan, is owned and operated by franchisee Wendy's Japan K.K. and features the brand's new Global Next Gen design, which blends modern, innovative design with cutting-edge technology to enhance the customer experience.

Wendy's has strong momentum outside the U.S., and the 500^th restaurant milestone in APMEA is a testament to the brand's strength and ability to travel around the world. Wendy's recently celebrated its 160^th restaurant opening in India, and the first of 200 planned restaurants in Australia opened last month on Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise, Queensland. Wendy's also continues to expand in Europe, with development agreements for new restaurants in Romania, Scotland, and Ireland – all set to open this year.

Chris Conway, SVP, Managing Director, APMEA, at The Wendy's Company says: "We are thrilled to reach the significant milestone of opening Wendy's 500^th restaurant in the APMEA region. We are building a high performing, differentiated QSR brand in the region serving our iconic fresh famous food. This achievement reflects the unwavering support, passion and commitment of our franchise partners, like Wendy's Japan K.K., who play a key role in the brand's success. Together with our franchisees, Wendy's is positioned to drive continued growth across APMEA, while accelerating expansion around the globe."

Osamu Shiseki, Chief Executive Officer at Wendy's Japan K.K. says: "We are proud to celebrate the opening of our 75^th Wendy's First Kitchen restaurant, which also marks the 500^th Wendy's location in APMEA. For nearly 10 years, our organization has built a strong partnership with Wendy's, and it's an honor to continue expanding alongside our hardworking team and loyal customers. We are excited for the opportunity to serve Wendy's fresh, high-quality food to more people across Japan."

Wendy's is one of the world's most iconic and recognized global QSR restaurant brands. The brand's commitment to serving fresh famous food, while also providing high-quality experiences – like exceptional hospitality in modern restaurants that cater to evolving customer expectations – is a differentiator in the industry. What distinguishes Wendy's from the competition is the quality and freshness of its products, along with the ability to tailor menu innovations to regional tastes, keeping the brand relevant and in demand. Wendy's is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, and serves premium chicken sandwiches and nuggets, Hot & Crispy fries, savory Applewood smoked bacon, and the iconic cool and creamy Frosty® dessert.

Wendy's is actively recruiting new franchisees across multiple markets. Email InternationalFranchising@wendys.com for more information, and visit our website to learn more.

About Wendy's
The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) and Wendy's® franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide, with more than 1,300 of these located outside of the United States. Founded in 1969, Wendy's is committed to the promise of Fresh Famous Food, Made Right, For You, delivered to customers through its craveable menu including made-to-order square hamburgers using fresh beef*, and fan favorites like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and nuggets, Baconator®, and the Frosty® dessert. Learn more at www.wendys.com. For details on franchising, visit www.wendys.com/franchising/international. Connect with Wendy's on X, Instagram and Facebook.
*Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S. and Alaska, as well as Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the UK, and other select international markets.

Media Contact
Elizabeth Drake, Sr. Manager, International Communications & Corporate Reputation
Elizabeth.Drake@wendys.com 

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SOURCE The Wendy’s Company

FAQ

How many Wendy's restaurants are now operating in the APMEA region?

Wendy's has reached 500 restaurants in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region, with the latest opening in Nagano, Japan.

What is Wendy's expansion plan for Australia in 2025?

Wendy's plans to open 200 restaurants in Australia, with the first location already launched on Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

How many Wendy's restaurants are currently operating in India?

Wendy's has reached 160 restaurant locations in India.

Which European countries will see new Wendy's restaurants in 2025?

Wendy's has development agreements for new restaurants in Romania, Scotland, and Ireland, all set to open in 2025.

How many Wendy's First Kitchen restaurants does Wendy's Japan K.K. operate?

Wendy's Japan K.K. operates 75 Wendy's First Kitchen restaurants in Japan.