It’s another good year for the square burger as the fast-food giant has added nearly 30 new restaurants across the country this year alone, part of a larger growth plan that’s just getting started.
Here is everything you need to know.
Is Wendy’s Still Growing?
Wendy’s opened 74 new locations globally so far this year — 28 of them in the U.S., according to a recent company announcement. It’s part of a push to grow its footprint by 2-3% this year and hit around 1,000 new restaurants by 2028. The company announced late last year that it planned to close 140 underperforming stores to focus on openings in stronger markets.
The company says it’s using data to pinpoint markets where demand is strong and room for growth still exists.
“Every new restaurant opening strengthens the brand, creates opportunity in our communities, and builds momentum,” said Abigail Pringle, President of U.S. operations. “We are just getting started.”
Where Have the New Locations Opened?
So far this year, Wendy’s has added new restaurants in 18 U.S. states:
- Alabama: 3
- Missouri: 3
- Florida: 3
- Texas: 3
- Utah: 2
- Wisconsin: 2
- New Hampshire: 1
- Ohio: 1
- Pennsylvania: 1
- West Virginia: 1
- Oklahoma: 1
- Virginia: 1
- New York: 1
- Washington: 1
- Maryland: 1
- California: 1
- Tennessee: 1
- Arizona: 1
Where Else Is Wendy’s Opening Locations?
Earlier this year, Wendy’s opened its 500th location across the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.
It also launched in Australia, with 200 restaurants planned there, and is making moves into Europe with upcoming openings in Romania, Scotland, and Ireland.
What’s Driving This Expansion?
Every new location is built under Wendy’s Global Next Gen design, which includes self-order kiosks, digital menu boards, and a redesigned kitchen to improve speed. Earlier this year, Wendy’s announced plans to use AI-powered voice assistants to take orders at 500 to 600 of its nearly 6,000 U.S. locations.
The layout boosts kitchen output by nearly 50%, and energy-efficient lighting and HVAC help cut utility costs.
The company is also heavily investing in mobile and delivery, with pickup points integrated into every new store.
(It’s all a far cry from what eating at Wendy’s looked like back in the day.)
