JKH to Open Sri Lanka’s First Wendy’s Restaurant by November End

John Keells Holdings (JKH) is set to introduce American quick-service restaurant chain Wendy’s to Sri Lanka, with the country’s first outlet scheduled to open by the end of November 2026, earlier than the December timeline previously indicated.

The launch will mark JKH’s entry into the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, expanding its Consumer Foods portfolio and bringing another internationally recognised food brand to the local market.

The group is also targeting the opening of a second Wendy’s outlet in January 2027, with plans to establish at least two restaurants before the end of the current financial year. A third outlet is also being considered as part of the initial expansion strategy.

Expansion Plans for Wendy’s in Sri Lanka

The restaurants will be operated by John Keells Restaurants (Private) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of JKH. The investment will be financed through a combination of debt and internally generated funds.

Under the franchise agreement, JKH has committed to a minimum number of outlets over a five-year period, although the group has not disclosed the specific requirement.

Following the establishment of its initial restaurants, JKH expects to accelerate the expansion of the brand, with the potential to open between eight and 10 outlets annually or even more, depending on business performance and market opportunities.

The introduction of Wendy’s is expected to strengthen competition in Sri Lanka’s growing quick-service restaurant market, which has seen increasing interest in international food brands and changing consumer dining preferences.

Supermarket Expansion to Continue Alongside New Venture

Despite entering the restaurant sector, JKH has reiterated that its Wendy’s expansion plans will not affect its existing commitment to growing its Keells supermarket network.

The group has maintained its target of opening between 10 and 15 new Keells supermarkets annually as part of its wider retail expansion strategy.

However, the supermarket network recorded more modest growth during the September quarter, adding just one outlet and bringing the total number of supermarkets to 151. Over the preceding 12 months, nine outlets were added, falling below the group's stated annual expansion target.

The Wendy’s venture represents another strategic step in JKH’s efforts to diversify its consumer-facing businesses while strengthening its presence in Sri Lanka’s food and retail sectors.

With the first restaurant expected to open before the end of November, the arrival of Wendy’s will mark a new chapter in the country's quick-service restaurant industry, while providing JKH with an opportunity to build a new international restaurant franchise in the local market.