The Wendy's Company - Franchise
Quick Summary
Wendy’s® and its franchisees opened nearly 250 new restaurants across the globe in 2023. Together, we employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide. Has the thought of owning a Wendy’s restaurant crossed your mind, but you don’t know where to start? Are you in Missouri, if so we have immediate availability for YOU! Inquire today to learn more!
*Please contact "The Wendy's Company" to confirm the accuracy of any information provided on this page.
The Wendy's Company
Business Cost, Fees & Facts for 2026
| Minimum Cash Required | $500,000 |
Available In These States:
- CA
- IA
- IL
- KS
- LA
- MI
- MN
- MO
- NC
- ND
- NE
- NH
- NM
- NY
- OK
- OR
- PA
- TX
- VT
- WI
- Overview
- Testimonials
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The Wendy's Company - Franchise
Not sure if owning a franchise is right for you? Consider these facts:
- 2023 marked Wendy’s 13th consecutive year of global same-restaurant sales growth, with growth coming from our U.S. business and every region of our international business.
- Wendy’s global same-restaurant sales grew by more than 4% in 2023.
- Digital sales (mobile app, delivery, etc.) grew nearly 30% across 2023 to almost $2 billion, which is remarkable considering they were less than $250 million in 2019.
- Wendy’s breakfast menu continues to be a game-changer with new products like the Breakfast Burrito and the Cinnabon® Pull-Apart, helping franchisees grow their businesses.
Wendy's has aggressive plans to grow globally which will largely be driven by traditional new restaurant development and working with new franchisees ready to grow around the world.
The Wendy’s Brand: A Brief History
Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, "Quality Is Our Recipe®”, which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's System. Dave loved two things above all else: food and people. That's why he started Wendy's. He believed in a place where you get great food, made fresh, served by nice people. At Wendy’s, we continue to carry on that simple but powerful idea, every day.
While Dave's popularity helped sell hamburgers, he also used it to bring attention to causes and issues that were important to him, like foster care adoption. This is most visible through our support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and its signature Wendy's Wonderful Kids® program, which seeks to find a loving, forever home for every child waiting to be adopted from the North American foster care system.
The Wendy's Opportunity
As we plan to build more traditional restaurants over the next several years, we're seeking new franchise owners to supercharge our efforts, transform markets and unlock new potential.
Ownership in the Wendy's System is a transformational financial opportunity that can impact generations. Want to grow with Wendy's for years to come? We want to hear from you!
Wendy's strength is due to:
- Commitment to quality and our craveable, evolving menu
- Innovating range of restaurant designs that emphasize friendly, accurate and fast service in inviting, modern, clean and upbeat environments
- Impactful advertising and digital marketing
- Strong, experienced leadership team
- Corporate social responsibility approach called Good Done Right, which guides our business and is focused on respect, equality and fair treatment for our team members, franchisees and partners
- Experienced franchise community, including our high energy "Next Generation" of franchisees
- Community involvement through Wendy's signature cause, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption®, that's committed to finding permanent, loving homes for children in the foster care system
The Wendy's Ideal Candidate
We're looking for Wendy's kind of people - people who are enthusiastic about serving fresh, craveable food and providing exceptional customer service.
We are seeking operators, preferably who:
- Are interested in single-unit (U.S. and Canada only) and multi-unit opportunities globally through the development of new restaurants or by the acquisition of existing restaurants
- Have single-unit or multi-unit restaurant (preferably quick service) experience with proven leadership skills
- Are passionate, with a focus on restaurant experience, local market knowledge, and a strong willingness to learn and practice the Wendy's business model
- Demonstrate exceptional managerial and business acumen
- Have a growth-driven mindset with the vision to expand into multiple locations
- Have access to adequate capital for reinvestment in Wendy's image activation program and new restaurant development
Join the Wendy’s Family and Grow with Us!
“My family came to America when I was a small child and I grew up here going to school and working hard. In 1996, Wendy’s gave me an opportunity to purchase my first restaurant. That’s when I embarked on nearly 30 years of service to the brand and our team members. I’m proud of the work we have accomplished together with the Company and my fellow franchisees, and I’m excited that my children have the opportunity to continue the legacy we’ve built for years to come.”Raul Dominguez - President, Wendium of Florida
“We have been associated with the Wendy’s brand as a franchisee for over thirty years. The Wendy’s brand is one built around two key components: quality and great people. Our customers have recognized Wendy’s as a quality product and we have been able to deliver superior service because of the support provided to us by the Wendy’s International team. We are associated with other brands, but without a doubt, none exceed Wendy’s level of support.“Jorge Colón Gerena - President and CEO, Wendco of Puerto Rico, Inc. - Wendy's Puerto Rico
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