Wendy’s to open 12 stores this year

MANILA, Philippines - Hamburger chain Wendy’s is planning to open 12 new stores in the country this year to support its aim of growing the business, an official said.

“We want to have 12 new stores this year,” Wenphil Corp. chair Elizabeth Pardo-Orbeta said in an interview.

Wenphil Corp. is the Philippine franchisee of Wendy’s International.

Orbeta said two of the 12 new stores are opening this month, with one located in Ortigas in Pasig City and the other in Subic in the province of Zambales.

A new Wendy’s store will also open in Glorietta in Makati City and in Vito Cruz in Manila.

Orbeta said the other stores to be opened this year will be located within the greater Metro Manila.

“We have offers to open stores in the provinces but our problem is logistics. We are focusing on greater Metro Manila for now,” she said.

At present, there are 34 Wendy’s stores and 70 kiosks in the country, all owned by Wenphil Corp. except for two outlets.

Opening a Wendy’s outlet would require an investment of P8 to 10 million, depending on the store size.

The fast food chain is increasing its presence in the country to grow its business amid favorable economic conditions.

“The economy is doing very good. The people now have more purchasing power,” Orbeta said.