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Wendy's returning to UK, even as Chick-fil-A closes first store there

Photo: iStock

October 22, 2019

Wendy's will put both an international headquarters operation and up to 20 stores in the U.K., beginning with the first location in the next 1-1 1/2 years, according to Britain's Daily Mail, which obtained transcripts of a meeting the brand had with investors during which it disclosed it has been eyeing the U.K. for more than a year.

Wendy's pulled out of the nation about 20 years ago in a vastly different European QSR market. Since that time, many U.S. chains have experienced success in the country, including Five Guys and McDonald's. Wendy's will capitalize on that with a new U.K.-based HQ, that will help the brand expand across Europe. 

The 50-year-old Ohio-based brand is currently the world's third largest, following McDonald's and Burger King, with 6,700-plus location in 30 countries. 

The brand might also be wise to note the fate of Chick-fil-A in the U.K., which just closed after less than a month following community protest over Chick-fil-A owners' well-publicized anti-LGBTQ leanings.