Burger giant eyes 135 outlets in MENA region

BURGER MOVE: Wendy's is planning to open 135 outlets in the MENA region.

Burger giant Wendy’s is to return to the region next year, after its US parent company entered a franchise agreement to open 135 restaurants across the Middle East and North Africa.

Wendy’s/Arby’s Group said Saudi Arabia-based franchisee Al Jammaz Group will build 135 dual-branded Wendy's and Arby's restaurants in nine countries across the MENA region over the next ten years.

The first outlet is set to open in Saudi Arabia early next year.

"Dual branding will enable us to offer an exceptional range of high-quality menu choices from our two great brands under one roof,” said  Wendy's/Arby's Group chief executive Roland Smith.

"We believe dual-branded restaurants will generate higher sales volumes and better return on investment, making this approach particularly compelling to our international franchisees.”

Two existing Arby’s restaurants in Dubai and Qatar will not be part of the agreement. Former Wendy’s outlets in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE have all closed or been rebranded.

Wendy's is the third largest fast food chain in the US after McDonald’s and Burger King. The chain is perhaps best known for the square burger patties it uses in its sandwiches.

There are currently more than 6,600 Wendy’s and 3,750 Arby’s restaurants in the US and 21 other countries and territories.

Al Jammaz Group is a diversified Saudi conglomerate that already operates more than 200 stores in the region.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Fast Food
Posted by Jon, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 17 June 2009 at 14:35 UAE time


Great, just what the region needs - more US junk food options to fuel the already high obesity and diabetes rates here. Enjoy...

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