There’s a buzz in Surfer’s Paradise as iconic American fast-food chain Wendy’s® has officially opened its doors in Australia. Located at the Paradise Centre on Cavill Avenue in the heart of the Gold Coast, this marks Wendy’s long-awaited entry into the Australian market. Featuring its iconic Fresh, Never Frozen beef square hamburger patties and a chicken tender offering made specifically for the Australian palate, the opening signals the first of many Wendy’s restaurants in the country under new master franchisee, Flynn Group.
The launch seems to have been a hit with a line around the block most of the day yesterday, with thousands getting their hands on some Wendy’s for the sites first day of trade.
A Fresh Take on Fast Food
Australian burger lovers can finally experience Wendy’s signature menu items, including the Classic Double, Spicy Chicken Tender Burger, and Loaded Chilli Cheese Fries. From the classic Baconator™, made with 100% premium Aussie beef, to the legendary Frosty® dessert, Wendy’s is serving up a fresh take on fast food that’s sure to win over Aussie hearts and stomachs.
The star of the show, however, is Wendy’s double hand-breaded chicken tenders. Demonstrating the brand’s commitment to fresh, high-quality food, each chicken fillet is hand-breaded in-store and made with 100% Australian chicken. Available in three-piece or five-piece servings, as a burger, or in a wrap, the tenders can also be paired with an all-new globally exclusive dipping sauce, debuting at the flagship Gold Coast location.
Lauren Leahy, Chief Transformation Officer at Flynn Group, explained why Wendy’s unique approach stands out: “The Wendy’s brand was built on doing things differently, from square hamburgers to being one of the most talked about brands on social media. Wendy’s embraces a challenger mindset, and we think Australians do too. We’ve put our guests in the centre of every detail, from a vibrant new restaurant design to a laser focus on delivering the best chicken and hamburger experience.”
To satisfy sweet cravings, Wendy’s Frosty® dessert is now available on Australian soil in chocolate or vanilla flavours. Thick enough to use a spoon yet smooth enough to sip with a straw, the Frosty® is a must-try treat. Rounding out the menu are Hot & Crispy natural-cut fries, which can be loaded with cheese, chilli, or bacon.
Flynn Group Leads Wendy’s Expansion
The Gold Coast launch is part of a broader strategy to expand Wendy’s across Australia, driven by Flynn Group. The California-based franchise giant operates over 2,900 restaurants globally across seven brands and generates $5 billion USD in total sales annually. Flynn Group’s acquisition of the Pizza Hut master franchise in Australia in 2023 laid the groundwork for its commitment to this market, and the introduction of Wendy’s adds another major brand to its local portfolio.
E.J. Wunsch, President, International at The Wendy’s Company, expressed his excitement for the milestone: “The opening of the first Wendy’s restaurant on Australia’s Gold Coast is an exciting milestone, showcasing the brand’s global relevance and proven ability to travel around the world. With Flynn Group’s expertise and passion, we have crafted a restaurant experience that blends Wendy’s iconic square hamburgers and craveable chicken offerings with bold menu innovation crafted with Aussies in mind.”
Beyond delicious burgers and chicken tenders, Wendy’s arrival in Australia is set to provide an economic boost. Each new location is expected to create between 30 and 40 jobs, while the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients will further support Australian producers. With Flynn Group’s proven expertise in scaling successful franchise businesses, Wendy’s is well-positioned for rapid growth across the country.
What’s Next for Wendy’s in Australia?
The launch of Wendy’s in Surfer’s Paradise is just the beginning of an ambitious rollout that promises to redefine the fast-food landscape in Australia. Combining a focus on fresh, quality ingredients with bold menu innovation, Wendy’s aims to stand out in a competitive market.
Aussies can now head into Wendy’s at the Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfer’s Paradise, to experience this fresh take on fast food. Whether you’re craving a square burger, crispy chicken tenders, or a Frosty®, there’s something for everyone.
Wendy’s Surfers Paradise is Now Open
For more information, visit WendysHamburgers.com.au
Visit Wendy’s Surfers Paradise at 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfer’s Paradise.