‘Better than Macca’s’: Huge queue as cult-US burger chain opens in Aus

Australians have been queuing to be one of the first through the doors of a highly-anticipated US restaurant that just opened in Queensland.

A cult US burger chain has finally opened up in Australia — and people have been queuing up for hours to get a taste.

Wendy’s, known for its square burger patties, opened its first Australian restaurant on Cavill Avenue in Surfer’s Paradise on Wednesday.

Footage shared to social media showed huge queues outside of the new Gold Coast venue. Some Aussies got in line early to be able to get their hands on the burger — hours before the venue even opened.

A ribbon was cut, and customers quickly filtered through. Queues stretched out the door and onto the street.

There were huge lines outside of Wendy's. Picture: Instagram

Reviews are already rolling in for the brand. Gold Coast-based content creator Claudia Macdonald was one of the first to try it at an opening event.

She called it “mouth-watering” and asked why the chicken tenders were “so good”.

Ms Macdonald also got to try the homestyle chicken tender burger, the spicy chicken tender and the classic beef burger. All got rave reviews.

The spicy chicken appeared to live up to its name, with Ms Macdonald calling it the “perfect burger” if you like a bit of kick. Then, she tried the iconic Frosty. She used a spoon to taste both the vanilla and the chocolate flavours.

“Oh my,” she declared after tasting it.

“It’s like ice cream and thick shake mixed together.”

Food reviewer Mariana Bouzeid also was one of the first to get her hands on the burgers. She tried the Baconmator and a chicken tender burger.

After trying the Baconmator, she declared it was “yum”.

“The bacon, the double patty, the cheese, the soft bun? Wow, I rate this.”

Claudia Macdonald was one of the first to try it. Picture: TikTok/@claudia.macdonald

Mariana Bouzeid declared it ‘better than Macca's’. Picture: TikTok/@marianabouzeid

She was asked if it was “better than McDonald’s” and declared it was “100 per cent better”.

“It’s actually juicy, it’s fresh and it’s hot,” she said.

She said the chicken wasn’t as good, saying it was a little dry.

The Gold Coast diner will mark the “first of many” of Wendy’s restaurants opening in Australia.

There are plans to have 200 in the market by 2034, with each projected to generate 30 to 40 jobs.

The American chain is not to be confused with Wendy’s Milk Bar, which sold ice cream and hot dogs in Australia.

Aussies will finally be able to indulge in the brand, which has the motto “fresh, never frozen”, with menu items including the brand’s Classic Double and Spicy Chicken Sandwich.

The store opened on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

It also includes the Baconmator, which has two square burger patties, a bun, bacon, American cheese slices, mayonnaise and ketchup.

The hand-breaded chicken tenders are also a real draw card. The tenders are made with 100 per cent Australian chicken. The item was tested over and over again after feedback from Aussie diners, as the brand wanted to “specifically craft” them for the market.

Chicken is made either “homestyle” or a new spicy recipe that can come in a three-piece, five-piece, burger or wrap.

Frostys are a popular item. Picture: Supplied

Aussies can also get their hands on the Wendy’s Frosty dessert, which comes in chocolate or vanilla. The hand cut fries will also be available. People can get them regular, loaded with cheese, chilli and cheese or bacon and cheese.

The brand started to tease its opening on social media at the end of 2024. Questions flooded in since.

“When is the first store opening,” one demanded.

Another said: “Where is the store opening? Say Canberra.”

“Please bring the chili con carne sides,” one begged.

Another said: “You’re just making me hungry.”

Originally published as ‘Better than Macca’s’: Huge queue as cult-US burger chain opens in Aus