Wendy’s opens first Australian store, 40 years after last one shuttered

Missing for more than a generation, an iconic US fast-food outlet opens in Australia again this week, adding a new contender to the fast-food wars.

The first new shop of iconic US fast-food brand Wendy’s opens in Australia on Wednesday, marking a new contender into the nation’s hotly contested burger wars.

The shop is barely 50m from the beach on Queensland’s Gold Coast and marks the return of the brand in Australia after 40 years.

The new fast-food store is being operated by US-based Flynn Group, which bought the rights to Wendy’s in Australia in 2023 and plans to open hundreds of stores in the next decade that bring 30 to 40 jobs per shop.

Flynn Group runs 200 Wendy’s in five US states as well as Arby’s, Applebee’s, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell stores.

Wendy’s says the chicken offerings have been tailored to the Australian market.

The fast-food giant is betting Australians want Wendy’s trademark desserts.

Wendy’s markets itself as different from competitors by virtue of its “fresh, never frozen” square burger patties. Wendy’s trails McDonald’s and Burger King as the third largest fast-food chain globally.

Burgers are the most competitive fast-food market in Australia.

Other burger joints that may be familiar to Australian consumers via US shows and movies have had a tough time establishing Down Under. Carl’s Jr launched in 2016 with an aim of 300 stores in 10 years; to date 28 are operating.

Five Guys opened in 2021 and cites stringent labour laws as a reason the makers of totally customisable burgers have only opened four stores.

The corporate master franchise holder says Australians want another dose of Wendy’s. Picture: David Paul Morris / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Namesake of Hollywood A-lister Mark Wahlberg – Wahlburgers – has five stores around the country, including on the very same beachfront block as the new Wendy’s.

Wendy’s had 11 Australian stores that shut in the 1980s.

Burgers represent 41 per cent of the Australian fast-food market, leading pizzas on 19 per cent and chicken on 14 per cent.

McDonald’s has about 23 per cent of the Australian market. After the golden arches, Australia’s fast-food landscape is highly competitive: Hungry Jack’s has 9 per cent of the market, followed by Yum! Brands, which operates KFC and Taco Bell, with 7 per cent.

McDonald’s has about one-quarter of the Australian fast-food marketshare. Picture: NewsWire / James Gourley

The Wendy’s company says the Flynn Group is the “the right partner to unlock growth for Wendy’s in Australia”, adding the company has vast industry knowledge and strong leadership.

“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,” Wendy’s international president E.J. Wunsch said.

“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.”

The Flynn Group also bought the rights to the 260 Australian Pizza Huts in 2023.

“We’re proud to bring a fresh approach to the Australian food scene,” Flynn Group executive Lauren Leahy said.

“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.

“We’ve put our guests in the centre of every detail from a vibrant new restaurant design with a laser focus on delivering the best chicken and hamburger experience.”

Originally published as Wendy’s opens first Australian store, 40 years after last one shuttered