Supermac's sweating as US fast food giant Wendy's possibly coming to Galway after local partnership

Wendy's could end up employing close to 300 people across the two Galway restaurants

US fast-food giant Wendy's is thought to be coming to Galway following a partnership with a local company.

Wendy's is the world's third-largest hamburger fast-food chain with outlets in 30 countries. Supermac's will become the franchisee for Wendy's in Ireland and the UK and plans to open 10 restaurants in the next five years.

Expansion for employment

The partnership between Supermac's and Wendy's could create up to 500 jobs in Ireland and the UK. It is understood that the Galway restaurants could end up employing close to 300 people. The jobs will be a mix of full-time and part-time roles.

Two sites

It is understood that Wendy's has agreed lease deals for two sites in Galway.

One of the sites is believed to be in the Terryland Retail Park which is close to where Supermac's already has a busy drive-thru restaurant.

A second Wendy's is likely to open on the former Debenhams site at the top of William Street in the city centre.

Wendy's menu

Wendy's is renowned for the square-patty hamburgers and will offer a similar menu to that in the US which includes classics such as the Dave's Double, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Frosty, and French Fries.

The fast-food chain also sells salads, wraps, and sides.

The Irish menu will feature some local offerings to cater specifically to Irish tastes.

Supermacs successful

Supermac's was founded by Pat McDonagh in 1978 and has grown into one of the most successful indigenous fast-food chains in Ireland.

The company has 114 restaurants in Ireland and Northern Ireland and also operates the Papa John's pizza chain in Ireland.

Supermac's also has plans to roll out the Wendy's brand in the UK with a target of opening 10 restaurants over the next five years.

New players in the market

The arrival of Wendy's in Ireland will add to the growing number of international fast-food chains in the country.

In recent years, Five Guys, Taco Bell, and Burger King have all opened restaurants in Ireland.

The increased competition is likely to benefit consumers who will have more choice and potentially lower prices.