Wendy’s opens 500th APMEA Restaurant in Japan, showcasing Global Next Gen design

JAPAN – The Wendy’s Company has announced a major global milestone with the opening of its 500th restaurant in the APMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) region, located in Nagano, Japan.

The new location featuring the new Global Next Gen design that integrates modern aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to enhance the customer experience.

Wendy’s has demonstrated robust momentum beyond the United States, with its 500th restaurant milestone in the APMEA region serving as a clear indicator of its global strength.

The brand recently celebrated its 160th restaurant opening in India, while its first of 200 planned outlets in Australia opened last month on Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

Additionally, Wendy’s continues its expansion in Europe with development agreements in Romania, Scotland, and Ireland, all scheduled to debut this year.

According to Chris Conway, SVP and Managing Director for APMEA at The Wendy’s Company, the achievement of 500 restaurants in the region confirms that Wendy’s is successfully building a high-performing, differentiated quick-service brand centered on its iconic Fresh Famous Food.

He explained that the milestone reflects the unwavering support, passion, and commitment of franchise partners such as Wendy’s Japan K.K., and he expressed confidence that this collaborative effort will drive continued growth throughout APMEA while accelerating global expansion.

Osamu Shiseki, CEO of Wendy’s Japan K.K., conveyed his pride in celebrating the opening of his organization’s 75th Wendy’s First Kitchen restaurant, an event that also marked the 500th Wendy’s location in the APMEA region.

He remarked that over nearly a decade, his team had developed a strong partnership with the brand, and he welcomed the opportunity to expand further alongside his dedicated team and loyal customers.

He noted that this expansion would allow more people in Japan to experience Wendy’s renowned high-quality food.

Globally recognized for its commitment to fresh, high-quality offerings, Wendy’s is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, premium chicken sandwiches, nuggets, Hot & Crispy fries, Applewood smoked bacon, and the iconic Frosty® dessert.

With over 7,000 restaurants worldwide, more than 1,300 of which are located outside the United States, Wendy’s, founded in 1969, continues to set itself apart by tailoring menu innovations to regional tastes and delivering exceptional guest experiences in modern, welcoming environments.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.