AMERICA'S second largest burger chain, Wendy's, is making a comeback in the UK after a 20 year break.
Wendy's is looking to take on fast food titans McDonald's and Burger King, but where will Wendy's locations be popping up and will there be one near you?
Wendy's is popular beyond the US too – it's the third largest burger chain in the world after McDonald's and Burger King, with 6,700 outlets in 30 countries.
This is the second time Wendy’s has tried to cross the pond – it first came to the UK in the 1980s and 1990s, but then decided to close all its UK stores in 1999.
Several American burger joints have successfully set up shop here since then, including Five Guys and Shake Shack.
Wendy's is known for having square burgers on its fast food menu and pretzel buns.
When did Wendy's open its first UK restaurant?
Wendy's has revealed it will open up to 400 fast food outlets across the UK over the coming years, creating around 12,000 new jobs
The first Wendy's flagship branch opened its doors in Reading on June 2, 2021.
The first restaurant is located in a building in Reading town centre which was previously a Nationwide bank branch.
And Wendy's aren't afraid of some healthy competition – as the outlet is just a stones throw from a McDonald's restaurant on Station Road.
"We’re very proud of our restaurant design in Reading, and I’m confident that we’ve built a place that our customers will love to go and our employees will love to work," Steven Derwoed, Wendy’s vice president of global design and construction said.
Wendy's first gave a sneak peek of what the restaurant will look like back in March along with a hint of what the menu will look like too.
Where will Wendy's locations be in the UK?
Wendy's has said it is looking to open up sites all over the UK.
After the first restaurant opening in Reading, sites in Stratford and Oxford will follow, before the nationwide rollout begins.
"Our first location is in Reading and we are exploring additional opportunities in the London area," a spokesperson for the company said.
"The brand is excited to enter the UK with company-owned and operated restaurants this year, and we are looking for franchisees to grow with us across the United Kingdom."
The firm has already agreed a delivery deal with Uber Eats – and plans to use its British outlets as a springboard to expand across Europe.
What’s on the Wendy’s menu
WENDY’S full menu has not yet been revealed, but here’s what we do know will be part of the line up.
Dave's Single
- Quarter-pound beef patty
- American cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickle
- Onion
- Ketchup
- Mayo
- Toasted bun
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- Chicken breast marinated and breaded in peppers and spices
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mayo
Avocado Chicken Salad
- Lettuce blend
- Cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado
- Applewood smoked bacon
- Grilled chicken breast (hot)
- Southwest Ranch Dressing
Chocolate Frosty
What will be on the Wendy's UK menu?
The fast food chain is famed for its delicious square burger – but what other delights will Wendy's bring across the pond?
Wendy's did confirm that it will be offering a few firm favourites.
The popular Dave's Single burger will be brought to British shores this year.
Next up on the menu will be fan favourite and signature Wendy's dessert: the Chocolate Frosty.
Thick enough to use a spoon and smooth enough to use a straw, this dessert is like a cross between an ice cream and a milkshake.
Last year, Wendy's brought back its chicken burger to restaurants in the US along with other fast food chains, sparking a "chicken burger war".
The chain will be keeping the Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich on its UK menu too, so British fans can see what all the fuss is about.
Healthier options are available too – an Avocado Chicken Salad will also be on Wendy's UK menu.
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