US fast food chain Wendy's has announced plans to open its first Irish restaurant in 2025.

Wendy's has announced the signing of a new development agreement with franchisees in the Republic of Ireland, adding that it expects to open its first Irish restaurant next year. 

Wendy's previously announced in 2022 that it was actively seeking out Irish franchisee candidates as part of its plans to enter the Irish market. 

"We are continuing our journey to become a brand of increased global significance and Europe is a high-priority, strategic growth market to expand Wendy’s presence internationally," EJ Munch, Wendy's President of Internation, said in a statement. 

"To accelerate our momentum, we are focused on building relationships with franchisees who share our ambition to grow and scale Wendy's restaurant footprint across the continent." 

Michael Clarke, Managing Director for Wendy's Europe, described the news as an "exciting time" for Wendy's in Europe. 

"Brand fans and customers continue to ask us, "Where is Wendy's opening next?" We are ready to answer the demand by bringing more Wendy's to more people – putting our fresh, high-quality, and delicious food into the hands of European consumers where they live, work, and play," Clarke said. 

Wendy's operates around 7,000 restaurants around the world, including roughly 1,000 restaurants outside the US. 

The Ohio-based fast food chain has also announced plans to open its first Restaurant in Romania in 2025 and re-entered the UK market in 2021. 

Founded in 1969, Wendy's is best known for its square-shaped hamburgers and iconic brands, including the Baconator, Frosty dessert, and Spicy Chicken Sandwich. 

Wendy's will be the latest high-profile US chain to enter the Irish market after burger restaurant Five Guys opened its first Irish restaurant in 2016 and popular donut chain Krispy Kreme opened in 2018.