Wendy’s eyeing up fast food battle with vacant unit next to Friargate McDonald’s

The unit in question, next door to McDonald's. Credit: National World — The unit in question, next door to McDonald’s. Credit: National World

American fast-food restaurant Wendy’s is reportedly eyeing up its first Preston store – right next to rival McDonald’s.

The chain, which has expanded to 33 sites in the UK but over 7,000 worldwide as of November 2024, has eyes on as many as 400 eateries across the UK and wants customers to ‘cheat on their usual’.

A listing on the Wendy’s website shows that the business has 173 Friargate – next door to McDonald’s – firmly in its sights.

No opening date has been given – though it does say ‘soon’ on the website.

Blog Preston understands that no deal for 173 Friargate has been formally signed but that the building is under offer.

Michael Clarke, Wendy’s UK managing director, previously said: “With more than 30 restaurants already open, these plans reflect our ambition to expand to 400 locations nationwide, enabling more people to enjoy our food.

“We’re excited to welcome new team members and invite consumers to cheat on their usual and try Wendy’s.”

Farhat Abbas, managing director of franchisee Khidmat, added: “We believe that everyone in the U.K. should have access to Wendy’s food, and we’re excited to grow with a brand that has such loyal fans across the globe.”

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