Colchester new Wendy's first look inside High Street store

The branch is located at the former Next store in 19-20 High Street which closed in 2022 and has entrances on the High Street and Culver Street West.

Wendy’s is famous for its square hamburger patties, chicken nuggets, breakfast meals, and their Frosty shakes.

It was previously announced back in April that the American fast-food chain was moving into the site following the success of a Wendy’s drive-thru branch opening in Northern Gateway Leisure Park last year.

Décor - signage at the new Wendy's (Image: Newsquest) Over the coming months, the business submitted planning applications to alter the site’s roof and to set up signage at both entrances.

Now, ahead of the opening, the interior of the building has been transformed.

Across the ground floor, you can find spacious seating areas, the open plan kitchen where staff will prepare your meal, a disabled access lift and toilet, and plenty of well-lit signage and décor.

You can also find plenty of kiosks on both sides of the room to order a meal.

Team - Wendy's staff at the new branch and the general manager pictured on the front left (Image: Newsquest) To celebrate the launch, there is even going to a spinning wheel where customers can spin for a chance to win a food voucher with any purchase made.

This will only be available for the first few days of the launch.

Upstairs on the first floor, there are three separate bathrooms for customers with signage that says, “all gender restroom”.

Wendy’s was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, US, and has more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide globally.

Wendy's - a large seating area (Image: Newsquest) Wendy's - a close-up on a seating area (Image: Newsquest) The business re-entered the UK market in 2021 and now has more than 30 restaurants across the UK.

Matthew Muldowney franchisee of Wendy’s Colchester said: "Our team is thrilled to open a Wendy’s in Colchester.

"We’re excited to bring Wendy’s fresh famous food and friendly service to such a vibrant town, and we look forward to welcoming the community to our new restaurant.

"We can’t wait for everyone to cheat on their usual and discover our craveable menu, like our square hamburgers made with fresh British beef, that sets Wendy’s apart from the competition.” 

Wendy’s officially opens at 10.30am tomorrow morning – the first 30 people in the queue will get a Dave’s Single beef burger for free.

The normal opening hours following the launch will be from 8am-10pm, Monday to Sunday.

You can view more images below.

Wendy's - the kitchen and pick up area (Image: Newsquest)

Wendy's - the stairs that lead to the toilet facilities (Image: Newsquest) Wendy's - a meal ready to be served (Image: Newsquest) Wendy's - some of the kiosks (Image: Newsquest)