Hincha: If she's going to keep wearing the stripes of the Seleccion, the girl belongs in Argentina.
When word of Pizza Hut’s return to Argentina surfaced in October, the announcement was well received, yet another reminder of a U.S.-based restaurant giant that once made a significant investment in the country only to abandon the venture years later when times got tough.
Ohio-based Wendy’s made a similar move in the 1990′s buying 11 BA restaurants for $13.2 million and growing the chain to 18 company-owned restaurants before pulling out of Argentina altogether in 2000. “The economic and competitive conditions we faced in Argentina were just too difficult to overcome,” said then-CEO Jack Schuessler who would resign six years later.
Now it seems, Wendy is getting her Latin groove back, and Atlanta-based Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc. (NYSE: WEN) is placing “continued focus on our existing markets and franchisees as well as seeking prospective franchisees in a limited number of selected new markets.” South American markets where Wendy’s/Arby’s International is “actively seeking qualified prospective franchisees” include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Ironically, the company currently operates over three dozen restaurants in Venezuela, the least transparent environment in Latin America.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and if the anecdotes shared this week on d:biz were any indication, Argentines are ready for the cute redhead with pigtails to wander back into their lives. Alejandro recalls “the quality of the square (cuadrada) hamburgers,” Juan Pablo remembers the “fancy ketchup dispensers,” Dario misses the “hot chili” and Maria Luisa says her friend’s first job was working at Wendy’s where she blew up balloons for kids. Today, that friend runs her own party planning company and balloons are a tool of the trade. So good news, Wendy. You walked out once, but maybe the timing wasn’t right. Bottom line: We miss you, and we’re ready for a long-term relationship.
For more information about investment opportunities in Buenos Aires, download the new issue of InvestBA Privada.
New Buenos Aires World Trade Center To Open In Puerto Madero
UADE: Buenos Aires Real Estate Average Price Now US$220 Per SF
City of Buenos Aires Real Estate Activity Down 5%; Property Values Up 17%
Buenos Aires Real Estate Developers Begin To Accept Payments in Pesos
Buenos Aires Short-term Rental Rates Rise 5-20% Depending On Size & Barrio
Argentina Property Owners Consider New Variables When Renting, Selling
Mendoza Struggling To Adapt Foreign Land Ownership Law to Local Realities
Average Real Estate Prices In Brazil Are 3-4x Higher Than In Argentina
Despite Demand, Mendoza Real Estate Market Sees New Construction Pullback
Argentina Rental Properties May Adopt Lease-Purchase Agreements
Major Waterfront Redevelopment & Yacht Club Announced In Montevideo
Carrasco: Montevideo Neighborhood Enjoys A Real Estate Renaissance
2012 Safety Report: Uruguay Is The Least Violent Country In Latin America
Imovéis: Brazilians Bought 55% More Punta del Este Real Estate Last Year
Punta del Este & Uruguay Must Target More North Americans & Europeans
[...] locations in 2011) or long-awaited return: Yum Brands’ KFC and Pizza Hut are coming back and Atlanta-based Wendy’s will apparently do the same. (Full Story in [...]
[...] of population growth, economic strength and youthful demographics attracting the likes of Wendy’s and Pizza [...]
[...] in Argentina rumor mill kicked into high gear during the last quarter of 2010, we started to have Cuadrada Cravings. Fortunately today we have confirmation of the franchise development agreement and a taste of [...]
[...] its locations in 2011) or long-awaited return: Yum Brands’ KFC and Pizza Hut are coming back andAtlanta-based Wendy’s will apparently do the same. (Full Story in [...]
[...] In the 1990′s, then-Ohio-based Wendy’s opened 18 company-owned restaurants before pulling out of Argentina altogether in 2000. Pizza Hut followed a similar trajectory opening Buenos Aires locations in the [...]