Wendy’s, the world’s third-largest fast-food chain following McDonald’s and Burger King” data-wpil-keyword-link=”linked”>Burger King, is set to invest USD 200 million in the Romanian market over the next decade, according to Profit.ro.
The chain confirmed plans to develop hundreds of restaurants across Europe, starting in 2025. In Romania, five Wendy’s locations are expected to open next year, with an average investment of USD 2 million per restaurant.
The first Wendy’s restaurants in Romania will be inaugurated in Bucharest, with plans to expand nationwide over time.
“In Romania, JKC Restaurants will act as a franchise and operator of Wendy’s locations. We have a positive outlook on this country. Romania’s economy is vibrant and growing, and we believe this trend will continue. The Romanian consumer is sophisticated, and we are confident they will appreciate our products,” stated Radu Bolohan, CFO of JKC Capital, to Profit.ro. JKC Restaurants, a rapidly growing family business in Canada, operates 32 franchises of Wendy’s and Tim Hortons. The company was founded in 2015 by Kathryn and John Chayka.
Wendy’s entry into Romania marks its first expansion outside North America in many years. The Chaykas have partnered with Radu Bolohan, currently the vice-president of JKC Capital, which manages the family’s assets, including its restaurant division.
JKC is in the advanced stages of launching operations in Romania. The first restaurant is set to open by late 2024 or early 2025, with at least five units planned by the end of the next year.
Wendy’s, founded by Dave Thomas in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio, is now the third-largest fast-food chain globally, boasting around 7,000 restaurants.