Wendy’s plans to open 190 new restaurants in Italy with new development agreements
The Wendy’s Company recently disclosed the finalization of two new franchise agreements that will result in the development of up to 190 new Wendy’s® restaurants across Italy and Armenia. This initiative represents a significant leap towards advancing the brand’s strategic goal of boosting global net unit growth. Wendy’s aims to achieve 70 percent of its unit growth outside the United States, with the ultimate aim of reaching 2,000 international restaurants by the year 2028.
In Italy, Wendy’s has established an exclusive franchise arrangement with Your Food S.R.L to construct 170 new Wendy’s establishments over a span of 15 years up to 2035. This move indicates a substantial acceleration of the brand’s expansion efforts in Europe. Your Food boasts extensive experience in a variety of sectors such as food and beverage, real estate, construction, as well as the hotel and resort industries. The first two Wendy’s restaurants in Italy are set to make their debut in Milan by mid-2026, ushering in a new era of growth in the region.
Meanwhile, in Armenia, Wendy’s has inked an exclusive franchise agreement with Wen Restaurant LLC to develop 20 new restaurants by 2030. This step further bolsters the brand’s presence in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Wen Restaurant, a distinguished name in the food, retail, hospitality, and distribution industries, brings to the table a wealth of operational expertise and market insights. The first Wendy’s location in Armenia is slated to open in Yerevan’s city center.
E.J. Wunsch, President of International at The Wendy’s Company, expressed confidence in these agreements as a testament to the success of their accelerated growth strategy. He anticipates even greater momentum with each new partnership. The collaboration with Your Food and Wen Restaurant promises to deliver fresh, top-notch food and exceptional hospitality to communities across Italy and Armenia. The aim is to create high-performing restaurants that embody Wendy’s philosophy of being ‘globally great, locally even better.’
Mario Resca, Chairman of Your Food S.R.L, underscored the pride felt in teaming up with Wendy’s to introduce its renowned brand and high-quality food to Italy. This partnership aims to set a new standard in the quick-service restaurant industry by integrating innovation, hospitality, and an understanding of Italian consumer preferences. The focus is on creating a unique customer experience and becoming a beloved fixture in the Italian culinary landscape.
Hrant Grigoryan, CEO of Wen Restaurant LLC, described the launch of Wendy’s in Armenia as a bold move towards reshaping the quick-service restaurant experience in the country. The objective is to introduce a new perspective rooted in quality, innovation, and modern hospitality, tailored to meet the evolving tastes of Armenian consumers while setting a new benchmark in the region.
In conclusion, these two new development agreements signify Wendy’s ever-strengthening position to expand globally and bring its signature offerings to new markets, alongside the expertise and local knowledge of their esteemed partners.