Wendy’s opened its first Australian flagship restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD this morning, bringing its signature square burgers and Frosty desserts to the heart of Queensland’s capital city.
The two-storey, 130-seat location on Albert Street represents a significant design departure for the quick-service chain. Dubbed the ‘Haus of Wendy’, the restaurant features themed spaces across its ground and lower levels, including street-art murals of Brisbane landmarks, a handmade bow wall installation by local artist Rachel Burke, and interactive social media displays.
The Brisbane opening follows Wendy’s debut on the Gold Coast in January this year, marking the second step in an ambitious plan to open 200 restaurants across Australia over the next decade.
“This is more than just another restaurant launch,” said Richard Wallis, president of Flynn Group Asia Pacific, which operates Wendy’s in the region. “It’s a significant milestone in Wendy’s Australian journey, and a statement of confidence in both our long-term growth plans and Brisbane’s vibrant city centre.”
The flagship employs more than 150 staff, primarily local hires. Lines began forming at 5am ahead of the 9am opening, with Brisbane city councillors Vicki Howard and Sarah Hutton participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Flynn Group, which operates more than 2,900 locations across seven brands, including Applebee’s, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, entered the Australian market with its 2023 acquisition of more than 260 Pizza Hut restaurants. The company generates $5 billion in annual sales and employs more than 75,000 people across 44 US states, Australia and New Zealand.
The Brisbane location is open daily from 9am to 10pm.
