The Wendy’s Company (WEN) Investor Day 2025 summary

Growth strategy and key initiatives

• Focus on fresh, famous food, exceptional customer experience, and accelerating global unit growth both domestically and internationally.

• Targeting high-growth demographics such as Gen Z, families, and multicultural audiences, with tailored marketing and menu innovation.

• Leveraging technology investments like FreshAI, digital menu boards, and a modern tech stack to enhance personalization, efficiency, and customer loyalty.

• Expanding Build-to-Suit programs and next-gen restaurant designs to accelerate new unit development and improve franchisee economics.

• Strengthening franchisee partnerships and leadership with clear accountability, operational benchmarking, and targeted support.

Financial guidance and targets

• Long-term targets: 3%-4% annual net unit growth, 5%-6% system-wide sales growth, and 7%-8% adjusted EBITDA growth through 2028.

• Aims to reach 8,100-8,300 restaurants, $17.5-$18 billion in system-wide sales, and $650-$700 million in adjusted EBITDA by 2028.

• Plan to add 1,000 net restaurants and grow systemwide sales by up to $3.5B by 2028 compared to 2024.

• Majority of new units (70%) to come from international markets, with accelerated growth in Canada, Mexico, UK, India, and the Middle East.

• Cumulative free cash flow projected at $1.2-$1.3 billion between 2025 and 2028, supporting investments, dividends, and share repurchases.

Operational excellence and innovation

• Deploying a Model of Excellence with regular restaurant assessments, performance scorecards, and increased field operations visits.

• Multi-year margin strategy includes P&L benchmarking, productivity upgrades, menu evolution, technology-driven efficiency, and labor model evolution.

• Menu innovation focuses on core categories and impactful limited-time offers, with collaborations to drive traffic and brand relevance.

• Enhanced digital and loyalty programs, gamification, and personalized marketing to increase frequency and engagement.

• Global supply chain elevation and flexible real estate strategies support expansion and cost efficiency.