Wendy's to enter Sri Lanka under John Keells Holdings, first restaurant expected by December 2026

John Keells Holdings (JKH) will bring the US fast-food chain Wendy's to Sri Lanka, with the first outlet slated to open by December 2026. The move into the quick-service restaurant segment is part of JKH's Consumer Foods expansion, as announced in its Q1 2026/27 financial results.

John Keells Holdings (JKH) has revealed plans to launch Wendy's, a globally recognized fast-food brand, in Sri Lanka. The first outlet is expected to commence operations by December 2026.

The announcement came through JKH's financial results for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, released on Tuesday. The company stated it will broaden its Consumer Foods portfolio by entering the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector with the Wendy's rollout.

JKH confirmed that all relevant franchise agreements and preliminary work have been finalized, and the first outlet is scheduled to open by December 2026.

Wendy's, founded in the United States in 1969, is among the world's largest fast-food chains, with over 7,000 restaurants across more than 30 countries. It is known for items such as square beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and its signature Frosty dessert.

This initiative represents JKH's foray into Sri Lanka's international QSR market and is part of the group's broader strategy to grow its Consumer Foods business.

In its Q1 financial results, JKH posted a 26% year-on-year increase in recurring EBITDA to Rs. 16.35 billion. The group attributed the growth to strong performances in its transportation, consumer foods, property, and financial services divisions, along with continued positive momentum at City of Dreams Sri Lanka. The Keells supermarket chain also showed robust growth, with same-store sales rising 13% during the quarter.