US burger chain Wendy's to open first outlet in Gurgaon

 American fast food restaurant chain Wendy's is all set to make its India debut tomorrow, it was officially announced here today.

Wendy's franchisee, Sierra Nevada Restaurants, is a joint venture between International Market Management of England and Rollatainers of India, which will officially open its first outlet in Gurgaon, a company statement said.

"Sierra Nevada plans to open three more outlets in the Delhi-National Capital Region during summer and upto 20 more in Northern India over the next few years," the statement said.
Wendy's seeks to differentiate itself by offering a casual dining experience at a 'quick serving restaurant' price, it said.

In the burger segment Wendy's will compete with market leader McDonald's which has been here for 20 years, and has nearly 250 outlets, while Burger King launched in India last year.

A slew of quick-format restaurant brands including KFC, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin' Donuts and Taco Bell opened outlets last year.

Globally, Wendy's has over 6,500 restaurants in 29 countries, including its home market, the statement said.

In India, Wendy's will introduce a new menu, new restaurant designs and new approaches to customer service.

"We've worked on the concept with the Wendy's team for almost two years" one of Sierra Nevada's directors Sanjay Chhabra said in the statement.

The India menu is customised to be "beef-free" and will offer a wide range of vegetarian options, the statement said.

"India is a growing, dynamic market, which is attracting the attention of leading brands around the world," Wendy's President and Chief Executive Emil Brolick said in the statement.