Iconic US fast food chain Wendy's to open in Ireland early next year

US burger chain Wendy’s has confirmed it will begin opening restaurants in Ireland next year.

The fast-food giant, which has been eyeing the Irish market for nearly two years, has announced the signing of a new development agreement with franchise operators in Ireland.

The company, known for its square made to order burgers, has signed a development deals with a franchisee in the Republic of Ireland as part of its European expansion plans. The Dublin, Ohio-based brand will open its first outlets next year with plans to launch 30 restaurants over the next decade.

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A development deal has also been signed in Romania with the aim of launching 50 outlets there over the same time period. Wendy's re-entered the UK market in 2021, having exited in 2000.

The American brand has over 7,000 outlets worldwide and is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers.

Speaking about the Irish launch, Wendy’s president for international, E.J. Wunsch, said: "We are continuing our journey to become a brand of increased global significance, and Europe is a high-priority, strategic growth market to expand Wendy's presence internationally.”

The company's managing director for Europe, Michael Clarke, hailed the expansion as an "exciting time". He added: “Brand fans and customers continue to ask us, ‘Where is Wendy's opening next?’”

“We are ready to answer the demand by bringing more Wendy's to more people – putting our fresh, high-quality and delicious food into the hands of European consumers where they live, work and play.”