The fast-food chain aims for global expansion, focusing on both domestic and international markets.
Wendy’s has announced plans to expand its global presence by adding 1,000 new restaurants by the end of 2028. The company shared this goal during its Investor Day on Thursday. The fast-food chain expects an annual net unit growth rate of 3% to 4%, which would increase its global store count to between 8,100 and 8,300 locations by 2028. Wendy’s had 7,240 stores at the end of 2024.
To achieve this goal, Wendy’s plans to grow both in the U.S. and internationally. The company is also focused on strengthening its international supply chain, aiming to build a stronger presence in key global markets.
Wendy’s Global Growth Strategy
In 2021, Wendy’s had set a higher target for its global unit count, aiming for 8,500 to 9,000 stores by this year. However, the company has now revised its projections for 2028, with a more modest goal of 8,100 to 8,300 stores. The initial plan for faster growth was supported by a partnership with Reef Technology, which used ghost kitchen trailers to fuel expansion.
However, Wendy’s decided to abandon this model starting in 2022 due to poor consumer response and disappointing unit economics.
Other fast-food chains, such as Taco Bell, are also focused on expanding their global presence. Taco Bell has announced plans to roughly triple its international store count by the end of the decade.
Plans for 2025 and Beyond
For 2025, Wendy’s expects to open between 150 and 200 new units, with about two-thirds of those locations outside of the U.S. The company projects that one-third of its international growth will come from Canada and Europe, while half of it will come from the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa regions.
If this pattern holds, Wendy’s could open around 330 new stores in the U.S. and 660 internationally, further solidifying its global footprint.
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