Wendy’s to expand REEF delivery kitchens in Canada, U.S. and UK with 700-unit deal

CNW Group/Wendy’s Restaurants of Canada

Restaurant chain Wendy’s Co. and REEF – said to be the largest operator of mobility, logistics hubs and kitchens – have announced a new development commitment to open and operate 700 delivery kitchens over the next five years across Canada, the U.S., and the United Kingdom.

The commitment builds upon what Wendy’s officials are calling the successful test of eight delivery kitchens in Canada beginning in late 2020.

The deal also will make REEF the first Wendy’s franchisee in the United Kingdom.

Dublin, Ohio-based Wendy’s said it expects the agreement with Miami-based REEF to produce about 50 delivery kitchens this year and the remainder through 2025.

“The demand for convenient delivery solutions means we must look for opportunities beyond our traditional restaurant formats, especially in dense urban areas,” said Abigail Pringle, Wendy’s president, international and chief development officer. “This partnership with REEF is testimony to our ambitions, the potential we see to grow our beloved brand and our quest to reach more customers in more ways.”

REEF’s network of delivery kitchens, in over 30 cities around the world, are designed to help reduce traffic congestion and pollution by bringing food closer to the customer. The firm is said to be the largest operator of delivery kitchens in North America.