American fast food icon Wendy’s to open first Australian store on Gold Coast

An American fast food icon will open its first Australian store on the Gold Coast this week.

American fast food outlet Wendy's will open its first Australian store down under this week.

An American fast food icon will open its first Australian store on the Gold Coast this week.

American fast food outlet Wendy’s is coming Down Under, with its first Australian store set to open on Cavill Ave in Surfers Paradise on Wednesday, bringing an Australianised menu alongside signatures like their Wendy’s Frosty and the Baconmator.

Master franchisee The Flynn Group, who also acquired Pizza Hut in Australia in 2023, have partnered with Wendy’s to introduce 200 stores to the market, promising up to 40 jobs in each venue, with Surfer’s Paradise marking the first of the massive expansion.

California-based The Flynn Group has experienced success with some of America’s biggest fast food brands, like Applebee’s, Arby’s and Panera, and Chief Transformation Officer Lauren Leahy said the Australian move was about bringing a “fresh approach”.

American fast food outlet Wendy's will open its first Australian store down under this week.

“The Wendy’s brand was built on doing things differently, from square hamburgers to being one of the most talked about brands on social media. Wendy’s embraces a challenger mindset, and we think Australians do too,” Leahy said.

The Wendy’s Surfers Paradise menu will feature everything from the brand’s signature “fresh, never frozen” square burger patties and loaded chilli fries to chicken tenders designed for the “Australian palate”, with the company stressing their focus on sourcing 100 per cent Australian beef and chicken.

Wendy’s has become an international social media sensation in recent years, with their viral, snappy X (formerly Twitter) responses and roasts of other brands.

Wendy’s international president E.J. Wunsch said the ability to remain globally relevant was an important factor in entering the Australian market.

American fast food outlet Wendy's will open its first Australian store down under this week.

“The opening of the first Wendy’s restaurant on Australia’s Gold Coast is an exciting milestone, showcasing the brand’s global relevance and proven ability to travel around the world,” Wunsch said.

“With Flynn Group’s expertise and passion, we have crafted a restaurant experience that blends Wendy’s iconic square hamburgers and craveable chicken offerings with bold menu innovation crafted with Aussies in mind.”

“This is the start of a journey to bring Wendy’s unique fresh, famous food to fans across Australia as we continue our expansion throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

Wendy’s will open at 2 Cavill Ave in Surfers Paradise from January 15.

Originally published as American fast food icon Wendy’s to open first Australian store on Gold Coast