DUBLIN, OHIO – The Wendy’s Co. and REEF – a leading operator of mobility, logistics hubs and kitchens – announced a new development agreement to open and operate 700 delivery kitchens over the next five years across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. This commitment makes REEF the first Wendy’s franchisee in the United Kingdom.

Wendy’s and REEF expect to open approximately 50 delivery kitchens in 2021, with the remainder launched by 2025. The development agreement builds upon the successful test of eight delivery kitchens in Canada, Wendy’s said. The tests began in late 2020.

“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, 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 operates a network of delivery kitchens in more than 30 cities around the world. Delivery kitchens help reduce traffic congestion and pollution by bringing food closer to the customer. REEF is the largest operator of parking real estate and delivery kitchens in North America with a portfolio of 5,000 locations and a team of more than 18,000 people.

“We are proud to partner with Wendy’s to show how a restaurant brand can successfully and conveniently scale with REEF’s delivery kitchen platform to reach more customers faster and with Wendy’s world famous commitment to quality food and service," said Michael Beacham, president of REEF Kitchens. “Wendy’s is an incredible brand and we look forward to being a part of their continued success in the future.”