How Wendy’s is Supporting Diverse Entrepreneurs

At Wendy’s®, we’re committed to living the values of our Founder, Dave Thomas. That’s why we strive to “Do the Right Thing” in all aspects of our business. This includes creating working environments across the globe that embrace diversity in all forms because diversity is the fuel that will drive us forward. Moreover, our continued investment in building a truly inclusive and diverse Wendy’s System is an important enabler for the brand.

We believe we make more informed business decisions, show up as better community members and create a more equitable workplace culture when we have greater diversity of thought, voices and backgrounds. That’s why we set a goal to increase the representation of underrepresented populations among Company leadership and management, as well as the diversity of Wendy's franchised System.

To be the best Wendy's we can be, we’re making available opportunities for everyone who wants to grow with us. That means creating pathways to franchise ownership through accessible financing and approachable entry points.

This Black History Month, we’re excited to announce the launch of Own Your Opportunity, Wendy’s new franchise recruitment initiative that will create pathways for all entrepreneurs who want to grow with the Wendy’s System through franchise ownership. Own Your Opportunity is focused on increasing restaurant ownership for all and specifically among women and people of color. We believe this initiative will help us build a more inclusive Wendy’s System reflective of the diversity of the customers and communities we serve.

To kick off Own Your Opportunity, Wendy’s is working together with three of our preferred U.S. lenders – City National Bank, Huntington National Bank, and Wintrust Franchise Finance – to expand economic opportunities to diverse entrepreneurs interested in joining the Wendy’s family as franchise owners.

In addition to collaboration with preferred lenders that share the Company’s vision for equity and access, Wendy’s is widening the path for diverse entrepreneurs to Own Your Opportunity through:

• More competitive liquidity and net worth requirements for all new franchise applicants.
• The Company’s role as a Mission Partner to First Women’s Bank, the only women-founded, women-owned, and women-led commercial bank in the U.S. with a strategic focus on serving the women's economy, which underscores Wendy’s continued investment to bridge the gender gap in lending and empowering women.
• A Build-to-Suit development fund, created to help fuel growth in underdeveloped trade areas, where Wendy’s secures and builds restaurant locations and hands over turnkey solutions to franchisees. Priority will be given to those franchise candidates who cannot otherwise access the required capital for new restaurant development.
• Innovative new restaurant formats with a lower initial financial commitment that can help franchisees bring more Wendy’s to more people where they live, work and play.

When the Wendy’s System reflects the diversity of our customers, restaurant teams and franchisees, the brand truly thrives.

When you become a Wendy’s franchisee, you own more than a great restaurant – you Own Your Opportunity, with a path to prosper and the prospect to lead. Want to learn more about Own Your Opportunity and our lender collaborations with City National Bank, Huntington National Bank and Wintrust Franchise Finance? Visit wendys.com/franchising, and let’s talk today!