Corrib Oil, one of Ireland’s leading service station and energy distribution providers, has reached an agreement with the US-based global quick-service restaurant brand Wendy’s to become its franchise partner in Ireland.
Announcing the partnership today, Corrib confirmed that as part of the first phase of the agreement, it plans to open ten Wendy’s restaurants across the country over the 2025 to 2027 period.
The initial site locations, which will be announced in the New Year, will be a blend of standalone Wendy’s restaurants as well as new Wendy’s offerings at existing Corrib service station locations.
The company has appointed commercial real estate firm, Cushman and Wakefield to advise on the site selection process.
The new partnership between Corrib and Wendy's will lead to the creation of approximately 300 new jobs in the first phase with a recruitment campaign to be launched in early 2025.
Wendy's also anticipates sourcing ingredients locally wherever possible as part of its Irish rollout, and that all Wendy’s fresh beef will be 100 percent Irish sourced and certified.
Announcing its Wendy’s partnership, Eugene Dalton, Chief Executive, Corrib Oil said it represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy.
“We are delighted to announce this exciting new partnership with Wendy’s," Dalton said.
"This collaboration brings together two brands that share a commitment to quality, community and exceptional customer experience. The opportunity to bring such a globally recognised brand as Wendy’s to Ireland offers a new food experience for Irish customers. In this first phase, we plan to open at 10 locations, commencing in the first half of next year. The Wendy’s restaurants will be a blend of existing Corrib locations and new bespoke sites.
“Our engagement with Wendy’s leadership over the past number of months has been very positive. Wendy’s is a brand with a rich heritage that aligns with our own. For more than 50 years, Wendy’s has been a leader in the quick-service restaurant sector, with a commitment to quality, freshness, customer, and community.
“We look forward to providing further updates on the launch of the Wendy’s brand in Ireland, including site locations, employment opportunities, and timelines early in the New Year.”
E.J. Wunsch, President, International, of The Wendy’s Company, said that Corrib and Ireland are a perfect fit for the brand: “Ireland is a great market for long-term growth for Wendy’s. Corrib Oil has a deep understanding of the local communities and a long-standing reputation for excellence. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Wendy’s family.
"Their customer-centric philosophy aligns perfectly with Wendy’s promise of delivering exceptional customer experiences and ensuring top-notch hospitality.
"With a proven track record of outstanding operations and a significant growth history, we are confident that Corrib Oil is the right partner to drive Wendy’s expansion in Ireland.”
Corrib Oil, founded in 1987, currently operates 38 convenience stores with forecourts across 17 counties in Ireland. The company said that the partnership with The Wendy’s Company represents an important next step in its Irish growth strategy. Corrib has existing partnerships with BWG Foods (operating under its Spar brand), Texaco, Circle K, Insomnia, Apache Pizza, Subway, and Zambrero.
Combined with its energy division, which has 18 depots across the country, Corrib currently employs 1,150 people, which will grow to 1,450 as part of the first phase of its Wendy’s partnership.
Wendy’s is one of the world’s leading quick-service restaurant brands. Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, it first opened in 1969 and has grown to over 7,200, restaurants. More than 1,200 of these are located outside of the US, with Ireland joining Wendy’s footprint in 30+ markets and US territories. In addition to Ireland, Wendy’s global growth plan also includes Romania, Northern Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, and France.
Wendy’s is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, chicken, freshly prepared salads, and other signature items such as chili, baked potatoes, and the Frosty dessert.