US burger chain Wendy's is expanding in the UK - but only if you like getting takeaways.
Wendy's, which was founded in 1969 in the US and is known for its square burgers, will open hundreds more kitchens in Blighty.
However, these are so-called 'dark kitchens'. These only do deliveries, so you won't be able to sit down for a meal.
Dark kitchens are often based on industrial estates, and are a growing part of the takeaway industry.
Wendy's said it will open up 50 kitchens in the UK, US and Canada by the end of 2021 and 700 in the next five years. Dozens if not hundreds will be in the UK.
Wendy's will focus on London first, then roll their kitchens out to the rest of the country. It will work with the big delivery apps - Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.
The Wendy's UK dark kitchens will be run by catering firm Reef.
Wendy's international and chief development officer Abigail Pringle said: "The demand for convenient delivery solutions means we must look for opportunities beyond our traditional restaurant formats, especially in dense urban areas."
But if you feel like a sit-down meal, Wendy's has that covered too - depending on where you live.
Wendy’s opened its first new restaurant will open up in Reading earlier this year - with more set to follow.
It is planning for up to 400 outlets nationwide, creating at least 12,000 jobs - but this could take several years.
This figure would also still put it far behind McDonald’s, which has just under 1,300 restaurants in the UK.
Wendy’s has 6,700 outlets in 30 countries around the world.
The burger chain has big plans for its comeback but has so far only confirmed restaurant locations in the following places:
- Reading (opened June 2)
- Stratford (opening in the second half of 2021)
- Oxford (opening in the second half of 2021)
Wendy's told The Mirror it plans on opening five restaurants this year but it couldn't say where the next branches will be.
A typical restaurant will employ between 30 to 50 staff and Wendy's has also promised no zero-hours contracts.
Wendy's has had a difficult relationship with Brits and previously struggled to crack the UK.
The chain did open UK branches in the 1980s and 1990s, but shut them all in 2001 due to rising costs.
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What will be on the Wendy’s UK menu?
Here are some of the chain's most requested items - and it includes American classics.
Dave's Single: A quarter-pound of fresh beef, American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickle, ketchup, mayo, and onion on a toasted bun.
Chocolate Frosty: A milkshake that Wendy's says is “thick enough to use a spoon” but also “smooth enough to use a straw”.
Spicy Chicken Sandwich: Chicken marinated and breaded in peppers and spices, topped with crisp lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
Avocado Chicken Salad: Made with a blend of lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, cool, creamy avocado, Applewood smoked bacon, and grilled chicken breast. Topped with Southwest Ranch Dressing.
