Wendy’s Brisbane opening : Australians lined up at dawn to be among the first to enjoy the arrival of the fast-food queen” as she opened her doors in Brisbane.
A friendly rivalry has ignited in the heart of the city with the launch of a massive American burger chain.
Wendy’s, which debuted its first Australian outlet in Surfer’s Paradise earlier this year, has now unveiled its latest venue in Brisbane.
This new flagship marks the second step in the brand’s ambitious plan to open 200 restaurants in Australia over the next decade — a location the US chain proudly calls a global first.
And even though it only opened on Wednesday, the restaurant is already drawing huge crowds eager to get a taste.
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A mother and her two sons, who were on vacation, arrived outside the Queensland restaurant at 5 a.m. eager to be among the first to taste the food.
We wanted to be first in line,” the woman said. “We’re from Townsville, so we don’t get the chance to enjoy this food often. Since we’re on holiday, we thought we’d make it part of our trip.
The family was especially excited to try Wendy’s famous Frostys — the brand’s signature frozen dairy dessert — while the eldest son couldn’t wait to sample the chicken tenders. After tasting the Frostys, the family enthusiastically described it as “amazing.
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One woman shared that she had previously tried Wendy’s in Indonesia and was curious to see how the Australian version compared.
In Indonesia, they had loaded baked potatoes — I’m not sure if they’ll have that here,” she said. However, she was eager to try the restaurant’s signature chili, which is available in both countries.
Another pair of friends said they noticed the store last week and thought it would be “cool” to check it out. Neither had eaten at Wendy’s before, but both were fans of Carl’s Jr., another popular American fast-food brand, and were keen to see how Wendy’s measured up.
The Baconmator looks awesome,” one of them said. The other added, “It’s exciting seeing American chains open here — you always see them online, so it’s fun to experience them in person.
After digging into their meals — including a classic burger and the Baconmator — one of the men said it was “exactly what I expected.
For those unfamiliar, the cult-favorite cheeseburger features two beef patties, six strips of bacon, cheese, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Interestingly, the Australian version is called the “Baconmator” instead of the U.S. “Baconator,” a change that many believe stems from Hungry Jack’s already having a burger by that name.
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Another man, who had been in line since 5:30 a.m., said he really enjoyed the Baconmator loaded fries and was pleasantly surprised by the reasonable pricing.
The price is actually pretty good,” he remarked, while another added, “I honestly thought it was going to cost over $30.
The actual store
The red room pays tribute to Wendy’s signature sass, bold flavor, and iconic square burgers. Even the tabletops feature the phrase We don’t cut corners — a clever nod to the brand’s famous patty shape.
Custom wall paneling highlights Wendy’s signature braids, while an interactive social wall invites customers to upload their own photos and become part of the experience.
A striking mural stretches across one wall, filled with subtle “Easter eggs” celebrating Brisbane — from a depiction of NRL legend Wally Lewis’ statue to the Olympic torch symbolizing the 2032 Games, and the city’s beloved Story Bridge.
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On the other side is the blue zone, celebrating Wendy’s effortlessly cool vibe and its beloved Frosty dessert. The space features selfie mirrors and a handcrafted Bow Wall installation created by Brisbane artist Rachel Burke, made entirely from upcycled materials.
Lauren Leahy, the company’s Chief Transformation Officer, explained that Wendy’s success has always come from its bold, unconventional approach — and this store perfectly embodies that spirit.
We’ve taken Wendy’s iconic global brand and reimagined it for Australia,” she said. “This new store captures that essence — it’s unmistakably Wendy’s, yet distinctly Australian.
American chains in aus
Over the past year, several major U.S. food chains have made their way into the Australian market — with Wingstop launching in Kings Cross, Auntie Anne’s opening in Parramatta, Wendy’s debuting in Surfer’s Paradise, and Shake Shack announcing plans to appear at the 2026 Australian Open.
Corina Black, Chief Marketing Officer for Wendy’s Australia and New Zealand, told that the brand’s expansion is a direct response to growing customer demand.
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Wendy’s has been one of the most talked-about brands in Australia for years,” she said.
Our social media was flooded with messages saying ‘come to Australia,’ so we decided to listen and meet that demand.
She added that the excitement was clear from day one. “When we opened in Surfer’s Paradise, the queues said it all — there was this built-up anticipation that finally got its release.
According to her, Australians have a strong appreciation for American brands, but they don’t want a carbon copy of what exists overseas. “We’ve created something uniquely our own — an experience that truly connects with what Australians want,” she explained.
Ms. Black emphasized that Aussies are craving something fresh in the burger scene — food with both quality and personality. “That’s where Wendy’s shines,” she said. “Our signature Wendy sass paired with fresh, never frozen beef and hand-breaded, made-to-order chicken is exactly what sets us apart.
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Ms. Black said it’s an exciting moment for Australia’s fast-food scene, with global brands entering the market and pushing existing players to raise the bar — a definite win for consumers.
It keeps everyone innovating and thinking about how to do things differently,” she explained.
She added that Wendy’s doesn’t view other fast-food giants as threats but rather as inspiration. Conveniently, the new Queen Street Mall location sits right alongside KFC, Hungry Jack’s, and McDonald’s.
Before opening day, Wendy’s hosted a fun “Haus Party,” playfully inviting Ronald, Jack, and the Colonel to come and sample the food. “KFC gave us a cheeky little mention, but it’s all in good fun,” Ms. Black said.
We’ve got a friendly rivalry going — each brand has its own identity and has achieved incredible success,” she added.
Highlighting what makes Wendy’s stand out, she noted, “Wendy’s is the first female figure in quick-service restaurants.
We’ve got Ronald, Jack, and the Colonel — and now, we have Wendy, the queen. She represents something different.
She’s got that playful, sassy edge — gentle, fun, and never mean-spirited. Inviting the boys to our house party was all about keeping things neighbourly and lighthearted.
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