Wendy’s Shuts Doors in Japan after almost 30 years

[웃 910]

Wendy’s Shuts Doors in Japan

By BLOOMBERG NEWS Published: January 1, 2010 Wendy’s closed its doors in Japan after almost 30 years this week but not before attracting long lines that spilled onto the sidewalk at some of the hamburger chain’s 71 restaurants.

The Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, the third-largest fast-food company in the United States, was unable to renew a franchise agreement with the Zensho Company of Tokyo this month.

Wendy’s, based in Atlanta, has not ruled out re-entering Japan if it finds a suitable new partner.

The burger chain started in Japan in 1980 under an agreement with the supermarket operator Daiei. Zensho took over the franchise in 2002.

Wendy’s closed its stores on Thursday.

Hayato Yoshida, a 25-year-old employee at an advertising company in Tokyo, will be ready if Wendy’s makes a return to Japan.

“If it’s going to open again, I will definitely go for chili cheese fries,” he said at a Wendy’s store in Ginza, a retailing district of Tokyo.

[slim 1,533]

The Wendy's here doesn't even have chili cheese fries. #######?

[Mark&Steph 0]

The Wendy's here doesn't even have chili cheese fries. #######?

That was my first thought. Those bastards! Holding out on us! *shakes fist*

[Rhiannercakes 14]

Japan has alot of stuff in their fastfood places that we don't.

Try asking at a Wendy's here and see if they can make it for you.

It's probably fries in the chicken strip box with chili, cheese sauce and maybe even shredded cheese.

Those bacon bits for the baked potatoes would be good on it too... yum.

(Used to work at a Wendys)

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

No Wendy's?

[Jasman0717 9]

Biggie size Wendy's #3 with a Coke

[steve 27]

Interesting. Never went to one in Japan tho. In general, it is amazing when you go to McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, etc in Asia. The menus have lots of local flavors and less "huge" portions. I actually prefer KFC in Asia to the US. Pizza Hut is even an above avg level sit down place in China sometimes (thinking of a certain Shanghai one I visited a few years ago).

[slim 1,533]

And how about paying for ketchup or napkins?

I used to love getting one napkin and one ketchup packet with my "set" and when I'd ask for more, they'd smile and hold out their hand.

[William33 110]

All portions are very small there. Back in 2000, I visited one with a newly arrived Embassy MSG who ordered a "large" chili with his set (combo). This tiny little cup of chili was placed on the tray....You should have seen the look on his face... He replied to the server, "I ordered the large one"..She said, "this is the large one"....

Edited January 3, 2010 by William33

[slim 1,533]

All portions are very small there. Back in 2000, I visited one with a newly arrived Embassy MSG who ordered a "large" chili with his set (combo). This tiny little cup of chili was placed on the tray....You should have seen the look on his face... He replied to the server, "I ordered the large one"..She said, "this is the large one"....

I thought they stopped using MSG in Asian food?

[William33 110]

I thought they stopped using MSG in Asian food?

Slim,

I know you know, but for those that don't...MSG = Marine Security Guard

[slim 1,533]

for those that don't...MSG = Marine Security Guard

Just as tasty, probably even more dangerous!