Wendy's UK gets new mobile app over the line as part of company’s stronger digital foundation push
Wendy's UK has gone live with a new mobile app. In a LinkedIn post, Rob McGeown, Head of Technology EMEA, said: "I'm incredibly proud to see our new UK app officially launch this week for iOS.”
“When I joined Wendy's earlier this year, getting the app over the line was one of the biggest priorities in front of us. It's taken a huge amount of focus, collaboration and determination across our teams and partners to turn that ambition into something our customers can use."
He added: "And this is much more than just launching an app; It gives us a stronger digital foundation for how we engage with our customers, improve their experience and continue developing our digital proposition in the UK and Internationally. A massive thank you to everyone who has played a part in getting us here! I'm proud of what we have achieved and excited about what comes next."
Back in action
Founded in Ohio, USA in 1969, Wendy’s returned to the UK market in 2021, having been away for two decades as it focused on its North American business.
It is targeting 150 new restaurants across Europe by 2028.
Wendy's first arrived in the UK in 1979/1980, opening a flagship branch on Oxford Street, London. Due to trademark issues, it was initially just called "Wendy". This first run ended in 1986 when its locations were sold to Whitbread.
It then returned for a second time during 1988/1992. During the 1990s, it operated around ten sites, primarily in London and surrounding areas. But it bid farewell once again to the UK in 2001, citing high property costs and operating overheads that made expansion difficult.
Since the 2021 return, the company has expanded across the country, hitting 50 locations.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Mobile retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
