Wendy’s returns to Argentina

After 11 years, Wendy's is returning to Argentina.

By the end of the year, the hamburger chain will open its first store in Buenos Aires. Kentucky Fried Chicken will debut in 2012, reported La Nacion.

Wendy's signed a franchise deal with local company Desarollos Gastronómicos, which wants to compete with the local franchises for McDonald's, Burger King and Starbucks.

Wendy's left Argentina in 2001 in an effort to divest from the region.

Desarollos Gastronómicos plans to open half a dozen Wendy's locations next year, as well as KFC locations. It also has licenses to open stores for China Wok and Pizza Hut, but said it won't open any branches immediately.

Since 2009, Wendy's has signed franchise deals in the Middle East and North Africa as well as in Singapore, Turkey and Russia.

"Unlike McDonald's, which is more focused on families and young chile, Wendy's aim for teen consumers, at a higher socioeconomic level," said the company.

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