US fast-food chain Wendy's to open new branch next to McDonald's in Preston

By Matthew Calderbank

Chief Reporter for Lancashire Post / Blackpool Gazette

Published 4th Dec 2024, 13:42 GMT

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Iconic US fast-food chain Wendy’s will open its first Lancashire branch in Preston.

The American burger giant, known for its square burgers, has revealed plans to open next to rival McDonald’s in Friargate next year.

Wendy's, famous for square burgers, has set its sights on Preston for its first Lancashire restaurant — Wendy's, famous for square burgers, has set its sights on Preston for its first Lancashire restaurant | Wendy's

Wendy's, famous for square burgers, has set its sights on Preston for its first Lancashire restaurant — Wendy's, famous for square burgers, has set its sights on Preston for its first Lancashire restaurant | Wendy's

It will be Wendy’s second branch in the North West - following the opening of its Kirkby, Merseyside restaurant in July - as the fast-food giant continues its expansion across the UK.

The firm has also agreed a delivery deal with Uber Eats and the service will be available to customers in Preston.

“Coming soon”

Its opening date has not been confirmed for Preston at this stage, but Wendy’s says the new restaurant is “coming soon.”

Join our new WhatsApp Community to get the latest news and top stories from across Lancashire directly to your phone

The American burger giant has revealed plans to open next to rival McDonald’s in Friargate, Preston next year — The American burger giant has revealed plans to open next to rival McDonald’s in Friargate, Preston next year | Wendy's

The American burger giant has revealed plans to open next to rival McDonald’s in Friargate, Preston next year — The American burger giant has revealed plans to open next to rival McDonald’s in Friargate, Preston next year | Wendy's

The Preston branch has already appeared on Wendy’s list of UK stores online, with its website announcing the Friargate branch is “coming soon”.

Wendy’s will open at 173 Friargate - a vacant unit next door to the city’s McDonald’s.

A typical restaurant employs between 30 to 50 staff, the company said. Wendy's has also promised no zero-hours contracts in a sector much-criticised for its low pay and working conditions.

What Wendy's in the UK typically look like. This is the branch in Reading, the first to open following its return to the UK market in 2021 — What Wendy's in the UK typically look like. This is the branch in Reading, the first to open following its return to the UK market in 2021 | Wendy's

What Wendy's in the UK typically look like. This is the branch in Reading, the first to open following its return to the UK market in 2021 — What Wendy's in the UK typically look like. This is the branch in Reading, the first to open following its return to the UK market in 2021 | Wendy's

Get the latest headlines, straight to your inbox, with The LEP’s free email

Local property agents Eckersley were tasked with marketing the premises and their website says the Friargate unit is now “under offer”.

However, it does not appear that any planning applications have been submitted to Preston City Council for change of use at this stage.

Wendy’s will open its new Preston restaurant at 173 Friargate - a vacant unit next door to the city’s McDonald’s — Wendy’s will open its new Preston restaurant at 173 Friargate - a vacant unit next door to the city’s McDonald’s | Eckersley

Wendy’s will open its new Preston restaurant at 173 Friargate - a vacant unit next door to the city’s McDonald’s — Wendy’s will open its new Preston restaurant at 173 Friargate - a vacant unit next door to the city’s McDonald’s | Eckersley

Wendy's plans up to 400 outlets nationwide creating at least 12,000 jobs, although that could take many years, it said.

The chain was founded in 1969 in Ohio and now has 6,800 outlets. It is listed on Wall Street with a valuation of $5bn (£3.6bn). Last year, the brand dethroned Burger King to become the No 2 player in the US hamburger market.

Preston Lancashire

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.