Wendy’s Canada is looking to expand more throughout Canada, including doubling its footprint in Quebec in 2024. The brand has also opened a new location at Blue Jays Way in Toronto, which is under its newest concept: Global Next Gen design and will be renovating existing locations to match the new change.
“Wendy’s new location at Blue Jays Way is not just about convenience, it is about bringing a state-of-the-art dining experience to our customers,” says Dana Calvert, the chief development officer for Wendy’s international. “With our Global Next Gen design, we are enhancing the way people interact with our brand, offering a sleek, modern environment and the latest digital technology to ensure speed and accuracy in every order. This opening marks a significant milestone in our ambitious growth plans across Canada.”
Calvert explains that the new design features a kitchen layout that provides more flexibility and allows Wendy’s to expand into non-traditional spaces. Customers at the new Blue Jays Way location and future locations can expect a modern interior design enhanced by technology, including mobile digital ordering options. All new locations will feature this concept and existing locations will be renovated.
“Our Global Next Gen design features a streamlined kitchen layout that offers greater flexibility and will offer a modern interior design. Additionally, we are committed to renovating our existing locations to incorporate this innovative design, including restaurants that have already started renovations this year – ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience across all Wendy’s restaurants.”
The design will include new innovations such as a mobile order pickup system and will increase efficiency, such as new lighting and HVAC, to decrease energy consumption: “a win for our economies, but importantly for the environment.”
Doubling in Quebec
Wendy’s is looking to double its footprint in Quebec by the end of 2024 and wants to reach 50 restaurants by 2030. Currently, Quebec only has 15 Wendy’s locations. Three locations have already opened in Sherbrooke, Papineauville, and in Thetford Mines which opened on May 24th.
The expansion will see new restaurants opening in both urban centres and suburban areas, with a focus on accessibility and convenience. Calvert says Wendy’s is partnering with several new franchisees and helping existing franchisees to expand in the province.
We are thrilled to announce our ambitious plans to double our footprint in Quebec by the end of 2024 and aim for 50 restaurants by 2030. Currently, Quebec only has 15 Wendy’s locations, but we see tremendous potential for growth in both urban centres and suburban areas. We have already made significant progress with new openings in Sherbrooke, Papineauville, and Thetford Mines,” says Calvert. “This expansion focuses on accessibility and convenience, ensuring that our high-quality food and service are easily available to more customers. Our goal is not just to increase our presence, but to become a beloved brand in every community we serve in Quebec.”
National Expansion Plans
Looking beyond Quebec, Calvert says the brand will continue to expand across Canada as they have lined up new franchisees.
“We have a growth strategy across the entire country. We have our existing franchise base highly engaged and committed to growth. We have also recruited 24 new franchisees in the past few years who will also build a brand. So you will see Wendy’s showing up from small markets, urban centres, and non-traditional spaces. We have the local team highly engaged to deliver on that growth with our franchises and we have high confidence that we have commitments for growth across the entire country.”
As the brand continues to expand, Calvert says they are looking for locations that are around 2,000 square feet and will be focusing on high traffic areas in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.
“Canadians can expect the best in the business from our local real estate team, franchisees, and expert brokers, who will be accelerating our leasing plans to bring more Wendy’s to more people, more often. Our new Global Next Gen restaurant at Blue Jays Way is the latest example of pairing Wendy’s iconic favourites with an iconic location strategy to reach both loyal, local customers and the many visitors to the area. We will continue to challenge the status quo, evolving our restaurant experience to bring Wendy’s to our fans anytime, anyplace, anywhere.”
