Burger chain Wendy's returns to the UK after 20 years

US fast food chain Wendy’s will be returning to the UK after 20 years.

The chain, which is known for its square-shaped burgers, will open its first UK restaurant in Reading on 2nd June, followed by locations including Oxford and Stratford later in the year.

It aims to create up to 400 sites and employ around 12,000 staff.

Menus will include American classics such as the Dave's Single burger and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich as well as items tailored to the British market, including more vegetarian options.

Customers will be able to order via mobile before they enter the restaurant, at a kiosk inside, or over the counter. Delivery will also be available via Uber Eats.

Wendy’s is the second-largest burger restaurant in the US and the third biggest in the world with 6,700 outlets in 30 countries.

Abigail Pringle, head of international operations, told media interviews over the weekend that she envisaged the UK launch to “spearhead a European-wide expansion”.

Wendy’s had 10 sites in the UK during the 1980s and 1990s but closed them all in 2001, citing high operating costs.