Wendy's Opens 6000th Restaurant

Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE:WEN) reached an important milestone with the opening of its 6,000th Wendy's® restaurant, located in Tijuana, Mexico.

"We are celebrating a very significant achievement in Wendy's 32-year history,'' said Jack Schuessler, chairman and CEO. "For all of us in the Wendy's family, it's a reaffirmation that our commitment to quality and service continues to resonate with people, regardless of where they live.

"The opening is also an example of the disciplined approach we are taking to international growth and expansion,'' Schuessler said. "We are working with franchisees that have the operations expertise and financial resources to grow in existing markets around the world.''

The 6,000th Wendy's restaurant is owned by franchisee Wenco Mexico, SA de CV, which now operates 12 Wendy's in Mexico. Under the direction of franchisee Andres Garcia and principle operator Eduardo Orozco, the franchise has an agreement with Wendy's for expansion in Mexico over the next few years. Garcia also is chief executive officer of Wenco Servicios de Comida Rapida, CA, a Caracas-based company that operates 53 Wendy's restaurants in Venezuela. The franchise opened these restaurants in Venezuela in only four years, which is a record for the Wendy's system.

Under Schuessler's leadership, Wendy's has restructured its International Division this year and developed a new five-year strategic plan with an emphasis on the Americas. Brion Grube, who successfully expanded Wendy's business in Canada, is directing these efforts as the division's senior vice president.

"We believe that Latin America and the Caribbean offer a strong opportunity for growth,'' said Grube. "Not only do we have outstanding franchisees in place, the markets are less penetrated by quick service restaurants and food and labor costs are reasonable.'' There are 389 Wendy's restaurants operating outside the United States and Canada, with 165 located in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

The newest Mexican Wendy's, located in downtown Tijuana, is a two-story building with a parking garage below. The restaurant features a pick-up window, an innovative, high-production kitchen design and will seat up to 224 customers. The menu will be the same as other Wendy's restaurants worldwide: fresh, made-to-order hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, salads, chili and Wendy's signature Frosty(TM) Dairy Dessert.