John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) is set to open the first Wendy’s restaurant in Sri Lanka by December 2026, marking the conglomerate’s return to the organised quick service restaurant (QSR) market through its wholly owned subsidiary, John Keells Restaurants Ltd.
Announcing the initiative while reviewing the Group’s first quarter performance for the 2026/27 financial year, JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra said franchise agreements had been finalised and preliminary preparations were already underway. The launch represents a strategic expansion of the Group’s Consumer Foods portfolio, reflecting confidence in the long-term growth prospects of Sri Lanka’s organised dining sector.
Balendra noted that Wendy’s will complement JKH’s existing consumer food businesses by serving different customer segments and consumption occasions. Following the opening of the first outlet in December, the company plans a phased expansion of additional restaurants across the country. The initial investment is expected to be modest, with future growth financed through a combination of debt and internally generated funds.
The move broadens JKH’s presence beyond beverages, confectionery, convenience foods and supermarkets, positioning the Group to benefit from changing consumer lifestyles and increasing demand for internationally recognised restaurant brands.
The Consumer Foods business continued to record solid growth during the quarter. According to Balendra, the Beverages business led earnings growth, supported by a strong increase in carbonated soft drink volumes, while the Confectionery and Convenience Foods businesses also delivered improved performances despite higher promotional expenditure and investment in new production facilities.
Founded in the United States in 1969, Wendy’s is the world’s third largest hamburger fast food chain by restaurant count, operating in more than 30 countries. Its entry into Sri Lanka represents another milestone in the brand’s ongoing international expansion strategy and is expected to strengthen competition within the country’s organised QSR industry.
