Wendy’s NZ, the current franchisee, owner, and operator of all Wendy’s restaurants throughout New Zealand, is on the market for the first time in 34 years.
Started by Danny and Dianne Lendich in 1988, daughter and CEO of Wendy’s NZ, Danielle Lendich says business has never been better, but with both parents in their seventies now is the right time for change.
For sale is the entire Wendy’s NZ franchise. This includes 22 restaurants – 12 in Auckland, two in the South Island and eight throughout the North Island.
Internationally, the iconic American burger brand has an ambitious strategy to accelerate global growth and is looking for a qualified franchisee who can help grow and scale the business throughout New Zealand.
Globally, Wendy’s has opened more than 90 new restaurants in the first quarter of 2022 and has recently re-entered the United Kingdom with plans to expand its brand presence across the greater European region and other markets across the globe.
Heading the business for 23 years, Danielle Lendich says the franchise is performing extremely well and is ready for growth.
“Operations are strong across the country and we’re experiencing record sales. Even during the worst of Covid, there has been huge demand. Obviously there have been challenges, but it’s a testament to the team that we’ve been able to get though the disruption and emerge even stronger.”
A family-owned business with deeply rooted values and relationships, Danielle says many staff and suppliers have been with the company for decades, and their suppliers of beef, sauces and fresh produce going back to year one.
“We hope the new franchisee will operate with the same core values and look after not just the business, but the wider Wendy’s family. The future is very bright at Wendy’s.”
For now, it’s business as usual, as Wendy’s works through the sale process. “In the meantime, we’re certainly not holding back on anything” she says, referring to store refurbishments, new equipment and technology upgrades underway.
