Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers is the third largest quick service hamburger restaurant chain in the world, with over 6,300 restaurants in the United States, Canada and 27 other countries and territories.

Wendy’s was started in November 1969 by David Thomas as a single restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, USA. He named the restaurant after one of his daughters, Melinda Lou, nicknamed "Wendy" by her brothers and sisters. To many, Dave often seemed larger than life. His position as advertising spokesperson in the USA earned him a celebrity status with which he was never completely comfortable. He always reminded us that he was "just a hamburger cook". Being a very humble man, Dave found a way to use his visibility to give back to the community, especially to generate awareness for the cause of adoption.

By the time Dave passed away in January 2002, he had become so much more the founder of Wendy’s. Dave was a mentor to many hundreds of people. Throughout his life he personally helped and inspired thousands of people. He was loved throughout the Wendy’s family as a perfect example of how good guys can finish first.

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers in New Zealand

Wendy’s has had a presence in New Zealand since November 1988. Our mission is to deliver total quality with great food, excellent service, competitive prices and a sparkling atmosphere for each customer who visits our restaurants. Wendy’s New Zealand is 100% privately owned. We have fifteen restaurants, mainly in the Auckland area, from Whangaparaoa in the north down to Papakura in the south. Our first store outside of Auckland was opened in Tauranga in mid-2006. Wendy’s expansion plans are for controlled, responsible growth, assessing market opportunities as they arise in Auckland and around New Zealand.

The Wendy’s Difference

What makes Wendy’s different is that all of our burgers are made fresh when you order them. We don’t make our burgers in batches and then leave them under heat lamps. It’s a difference you can taste.

• Our burgers are always served hot and juicy, fresh off the grill.
• Our salad toppings are delivered garden fresh and changed three times a day.
• Our chicken nuggets and Crispy Chicken burger are made from
• all-white breast meat.
• Our hamburgers are made with 100% prime New Zealand beef.
• Our Chicken Temptations range are made from a whole chicken breast fillet, which makes them moist and tender.