Wendy's handled the COVID-19 pandemic well, with double-digit sales increases: its operators had strong balance sheets by the end of 2021, and, as of May 2021, it had about 150 potential franchisees in its global pipeline. The pipeline includes more than 20 franchisees in the U.K. in 2021, where the com- pany first entered in June, with the goal of having as many as 400 stores. The company also anticipates having 50 stores in Central Asia by 2030. With 7,000 stores around the world in 2021, reaching 8,000 by 2025, the company anticipated that most growth will come from international markets. Ris- ing construction costs and labor shortages do not appear to create any headwinds to a company bent on rapidly advancing on the global stage. What is facilitating Wendy's global expansion? The restaurant concept is attractive to both consum- ers and franchisees. In addition, they are driving sales through digital venues, engaging both em- ployees and customers. The COVID-19 pandemic has, indeed, been a strong driver, accelerating con- sumer demand for convenience and pulling them on digital avenues. The company was able to create a new global standard, enhancing the restaurant ex- perience, freshening the look of the franchises, and connecting the company's digital space into the physical space, integrating the mobile order app, curbside kiosks, and pickup shelves, creating a bet- ter experience for customers and delivery drivers.About 95 percent of business consists of fran- chises located in 30 countries. In an effort to keep franchisees happy and engaged, the company pro- vides them with great flexibility to create the best design solutions to better serve their customers. Thus, they have encouraged a container restaurant, modular buildings, drive-thru-only in the Philip- pines and, in the U.K., ghost kitchens, and so on, with 30 percent of all units not fitting the traditional restaurant model. Take Wendy's expansion in the U.K.: two de- cades after Wendy's left the U.K., Britons appear toembrace it in a big way. While casual dining had slowed down after the onset of the pandemic, fast- food restaurants stayed open for takeout and delive ery services the entire time. Before the pandemic, fast-food restaurants accounted for 13 percent of U.K. restaurant revenue; during the pandemic, their share rose to 23 percent. Britons particularly relish American fast food because of their high profile and cachet. Wendy's arrival was applauded, with long queues forming on its opening day. With so much enthusiasm for the brand, international fran- chisees will likely line up