The company has struck a deal with The Wissol Group to open 25 restaurants in Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan over the next 10 years. The first restaurant will be opened in Tbilisi in 2013.Wendy’s international president Darrell van Ligten said that Georgia was an dynamic market with good long-term potential. “We believe our great-tasting, signature menu – featuring made-to-order cheeseburgers, premium chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, French fries, chilli and Frosty desserts – will appeal to Georgian consumers, who are looking for more options and greater variety with ‘A Cut Above’ quality.”
Dr Samson Pkhakadze, president of The Wissol Group, added: “We are very proud to bring Wendy’s to the Georgian market, where we will focus our development efforts over the next several years. Wendy’s has a well-established global brand image and standardised business practices that will be immediately attractive to Georgian customers.”
He added that the restaurants would boost the Georgian economy, and that he expected Wendy’s to become one of the most important brands in the company’s portfolio.The Wissol Group is one of the largest business groups in Georgia, and owns a range of sub-brands across the retail, petroleum, construction and real estate industries.