Wendy’s teams up with Corrib to enter Irish fast-food market

The American fast-food chain Wendy’s has reached an agreement with Corrib Oil, a service station and energy distribution provider, to become its franchise partner in Ireland.

The Ohio-based restaurant business is planning to open 10 quick-service restaurants in Ireland between next year and 2027, creating about 300 jobs.

The site locations, which will be announced in the new year, will be a combination of standalone restaurants and Wendy’s outlets at Corrib service station locations.

The company has appointed Cushman and Wakefield, a commercial real estate firm, to advise on the site-selection process.

Corrib Oil, founded in Claremorris in 1987, has two divisions: retail and distribution. Corrib Retail includes 38 convenience stores with forecourts in 17 counties.

Through a 25-year relationship with BWG Foods, all Corrib Retail convenience stores are branded as Spar, while all forecourts are branded Circle K or Texaco. Other in-store partners include Insomnia, Apache Pizza and Subway.

Corrib currently employs 1,150 people and has a headquarters in Parkmore, Galway. Its workforce will increase to 1,450 as part of the first phase of its Wendy’s partnership.

Eugene Dalton, chief executive of Corrib Oil, said the tie-up with Wendy’s represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. “Our engagement with Wendy’s leadership over the past number of months has been very positive,” he said. “It is a brand with a rich heritage that aligns with our own.”

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Wendy’s first opened in 1969 and now has over 7,200, restaurants, 1,200 of them outside the US. As well as the Republic, the chain is planning to grow in Northern Ireland, Romania, Spain, Portugal, and France.

Wendy’s says it “anticipates” sourcing ingredients locally wherever possible in Ireland and that all the fresh beef it uses will be 100pc Irish sourced and certified.

Three years ago Wendy’s expanded into Britain, and is aiming to have 50 restaurants there by the end of this year, building up to an eventual 400.

It is just the latest American fast-food chain to enter the Irish market, taking on local outlets such as Supermac’s. Five Guys opened its first Irish outlet in 2016, and Krispy Kreme in 2018.

EJ Wunsch, the international president of Wendy’s, said Corrib would be a perfect fit for the brand.

“Ireland is a great market for long-term growth for Wendy’s. Corrib Oil has a deep understanding of the local communities and a long-standing reputation for excellence.

“Its customer-centric philosophy aligns perfectly with Wendy’s promise of delivering exceptional customer experiences and ensuring top-notch hospitality.

“With a proven track record of outstanding operations and a significant growth history, we are confident that Corrib Oil is the right partner to drive Wendy’s expansion in Ireland.”

Reporting on:independent.ie