Wendy's is in Malaysia, thanks to Berjaya

BERJAYA Corp Bhd has won the rights to open Wendy's outlets in Malaysia and it will invest some RM10 million to open 10 stores this year.

The business, under wholly-owned Wen Berjaya Sdn Bhd, is set to make profits in the third or fourth year.

"One must have deep pockets to be successful in the franchise business," Wen Berjaya chairman Francis Lee told reporters at the launch of Wendy's first outlet in Malaysia on Saturday.

Located at the Sunway Pyramid shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, the restaurant employs six managers and 40 crew members.

"The next Wendy's will be at Jaya One, also in Petaling Jaya," Lee said.

Also present were Wendy's International Division senior vice president James Hartenstein and US Ambassador to Malaysia James Keith.

Hartenstein considers Berjaya Corp an experienced partner as it has developed other franchise labels like coffee chain Starbucks, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Borders bookstore and 7-Eleven convenience store.

Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas who named his restaurant after his daughter. There are now 6,600 outlets in 22 countries.

Hartenstein highlighted how Wendy's differentiates itself from other American fast food chains.

"Our burgers are square and that is because our founder Dave Thomas always say we don't cut corners. Quality is indeed our recipe," he said.