At Wendy's, we're committed to paving a path for all entrepreneurs who want to join the Wendy's® family as franchise owners.
Financial Requirements
Wendy's has created more competitive liquidity and net worth requirements for new franchise applicants in the U.S. and Canada.
$1,000,000 USD
Minimum net worth*
*Net worth requirements vary for international markets and according to market opportunity$500,000 USD
Minimum liquidity
Build-to-Suit Development Fund
Wendy’s has made a $100 million investment in a new Build-to-Suit program to fuel growth in underdeveloped trade areas, with a new initial capital investment structure that creates value for franchisees.
Unlike conventional new restaurant development, this program minimizes a franchisee’s capital investment and allows franchisees to lease/sublease directly from Wendy’s for a slight premium.
New and existing franchisees in good financial and operational standing in the U.S. and Canada can participate, with priority given to those who cannot otherwise access the required capital for new restaurant development.
Build-to-Suit, along with our more competitive financial options for new franchisees, will help open the doors for many more looking to grow with us.
We believe the brand truly thrives when our franchised System reflects the diversity of our customers and restaurant teams. To create pathways for everyone who wants to grow with the Wendy's System, specifically women and people of color, Wendy's created its Own Your Opportunity initiative.
In the U.S., we have worked with our preferred financial lenders to offer access to expanded economic opportunities for new franchisees.
In Canada, we also established relationships with financial lenders who provide customized service and flexible solutions for new franchisees.
We continue supporting franchisees once they join the Wendy's family and for years to come. Click below to learn how:
Services may vary by market.
Direct, ongoing support from our skilled field operators. We strive for A-level operations at every restaurant and provide the tools and training to achieve superior customer service levels.
Robust training and development programs — from sessions that cover menu items, food safety and customer service, to programs that help strengthen leadership skills and amplify development — to guide team members in achieving their potential. You will also have opportunities to receive feedback and mentoring from Wendy's team members, who value relationships with all franchisees.
Global marketing support, providing a balanced marketing strategy to drive traffic to your restaurant.
Coaching and 'hands-on' support from our Restaurant Development team. Support ranges from real estate site selection and layout, to initial and ongoing construction services.
In the U.S. and Canada, membership as a franchisee in Wendy's independent Quality Supply Chain Cooperative that works with leading suppliers to provide Wendy's restaurants with products and services that offer quality, consistency, and value.
Rigorous ongoing global food safety evaluations by Wendy's or a third-party partner, ensuring restaurants maintain high levels of food safety and quality standards.
Optimized operator, crew and customer experience through the latest restaurant technology, back-office systems and mobile ordering/payment options, subject to market availability.
Management and administrative side of the franchisor/franchisee relationship as it relates to key development programs, such as New Franchisee Onboarding, and day-to-day activities for franchise agreement renewals, franchise to franchise transfers, partial transfers or ownership structure changes, franchise compliance (reimaging, obligations, etc.), and restaurant system maintenance.
Public Affairs advocacy by Wendy's Public Affairs team, identifying issues of importance to Wendy's and communicating our point of view to government offices to ensure our issues are clearly understood. Wendy's Political Action Committee (PAC) in the U.S. is among one of the largest and most active in our industry.
Ongoing opportunities to serve in elected and appointed leadership roles with the brand through franchise advisory groups and other engagements focused on specific topics such as marketing and technology.
Direct, ongoing support from our skilled field operators. We strive for A-level operations at every restaurant and provide the tools and training to achieve superior customer service levels.
Robust training and development programs — from sessions that cover menu items, food safety and customer service, to programs that help strengthen leadership skills and amplify development — to guide team members in achieving their potential. You will also have opportunities to receive feedback and mentoring from Wendy's team members, who value relationships with all franchisees.
Global marketing support, providing a balanced marketing strategy to drive traffic to your restaurant.
Coaching and 'hands-on' support from our Restaurant Development team. Support ranges from real estate site selection and layout, to initial and ongoing construction services.
In the U.S. and Canada, membership as a franchisee in Wendy's independent Quality Supply Chain Cooperative that works with leading suppliers to provide Wendy's restaurants with products and services that offer quality, consistency, and value.
Rigorous ongoing global food safety evaluations by Wendy's or a third-party partner, ensuring restaurants maintain high levels of food safety and quality standards.
Optimized operator, crew and customer experience through the latest restaurant technology, back-office systems and mobile ordering/payment options, subject to market availability.
Management and administrative side of the franchisor/franchisee relationship as it relates to key development programs, such as New Franchisee Onboarding, and day-to-day activities for franchise agreement renewals, franchise to franchise transfers, partial transfers or ownership structure changes, franchise compliance (reimaging, obligations, etc.), and restaurant system maintenance.
Public Affairs advocacy by Wendy's Public Affairs team, identifying issues of importance to Wendy's and communicating our point of view to government offices to ensure our issues are clearly understood. Wendy's Political Action Committee (PAC) in the U.S. is among one of the largest and most active in our industry.
Ongoing opportunities to serve in elected and appointed leadership roles with the brand through franchise advisory groups and other engagements focused on specific topics such as marketing and technology.