Wendy’s Readies Equipment Rollout

Wendy’s/Arby’s Int’l., Columbus, Ohio, has announced new growth and expansion plans. Among them: a domestic product rollout requiring new equipment, a joint-venture deal to re-launch in Japan and further international expansion.

Wendy’s operators have been asked to invest $13,000 to $23,000 per store in preparation for the national rollout this fall of the Dave’s Hot ‘n Juicy Cheeseburger program. The investment will cover equipment such as bun toasters, grill enhancements and smallwares. Other new equipment includes coffee machines and menu boards for a breakfast program slated for a 2012 rollout.

Under a joint-venture agreement with Japan’s Higa Industries Co., Wendy’s plans to expand the brand in Tokyo and throughout Japan. In ’09, Wendy’s ended its agreement with its former Japanese franchisee, which resulted in the closing of 71 restaurants. (The announcement came prior to the earthquake, tsunami, and resulting ongoing infrastructure problems within the country.)

Elsewhere in the world, a development agreement in the Philippines will add 44 Wendy’s restaurants, nearly doubling its locations there to 75. Wendy’s is also eyeing other growth markets, including China and Brazil. Domestically, the company expects to add more than 60 new stores this year.