On its 50th year, American burger chain Wendy’s opened its 53rd store in the Philippines at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim, as a guest of honor. The event was also graced by U.S. Senior Commercial Counselor, Greg O'Connor.

U.S. Ambassador Sung expressed his excitement in bringing Wendy’s to more valued customers in the Philippines.

“Wendy’s is another U.S. brand, so as the U.S. Ambassador, I’m excited that its operation here is expanding. We’re beginning a new year, a new decade, with a new Wendy’s store, under a new management. The future is very bright and I look forward to more stores opening,” the Ambassador said. 

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim, and Udenna Corp. Chairman and CEO, Dennis A. Uy enjoying signature Wendy’s products at the grand opening in PITX.

On the other hand, Udenna Corp. Chairman and CEO, Dennis A. Uy shared how the humble beginnings of Wendy’s Founder, Dave Thomas, in Ohio took him back to his first business venture - a small barbecue restaurant in Davao. 

“It never occured to me that one day, we will end up partnering with one of the most loved restaurant chains not just in the U.S. but globally,” said Uy.

“We will strive to offer quality, affordable dining out options for the Filipinos, guided by the common values shared by Wendy’s and Udenna, which will remain to be our quality recipe for success,” he further stated.

“This ribbon-cutting ceremony is a symbol of a fresh start and more open doors not just for our company, but also for our partners and for all Filipinos,” Joey Garcia, Eight-8-Ate President and CEO, said during the event.

In November 2019, Udenna’s food group, Eight-8-Ate Holdings Inc., shook hands with the Wendy’s International team and officially became part of its rich restaurant heritage started by Dave Thomas 50 years ago. 

As part of its transformation, Wendy’s Philippines recently opened its first ever drive-thru store in Dagupan City. Local signature products, fresh and hip store interiors, and more restaurants in key cities and provinces are just some of the things to watch out for as part of its strategic expansion plan.

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About the Company

Eight-8-Ate Holdings Inc., is the Udenna Group’s food subsidiary, now home to two of the Filipinos’ most loved food brands, Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, and Wendy’s Philippines. Inspired by its mission of delighting generations, Eight-8-Ate continues to expand its business footprint in the restaurant space, creating synergies with UDENNA’s existing portfolio, which includes hospitality and tourism.