ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wendy’s/Arby’s International, Inc., a subsidiary of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), and Higa Industries Co., Ltd., a successful food importer and distributor based in Tokyo, today announced the signing of a joint venture agreement to develop and operate Wendy’s® restaurants in Japan.

The first Wendy’s restaurant is expected to open in Tokyo later this year with plans to rapidly expand the brand throughout the country in the coming years.

Higa Industries is led by Ernest Higa, who successfully owned and operated 180 Domino’s Pizza stores in Japan before selling this business in February 2010. A pioneer of the Japanese home delivery market, Higa’s stores became known for gourmet pizza products and the use of the internet and wireless technology to promote menu items and enhance the customer ordering experience.

Wendy’s/Arby’s Group President and Chief Executive Officer Roland Smith said: “We are pleased to join with Ernie Higa and Higa Industries to build the Wendy’s brand in Japan. Ernie is well respected in the Japanese restaurant industry – having steadily grown his business over the years while earning a reputation for menu innovation and outstanding customer service. Japan is the second largest quick-service restaurant market in the world and represents a significant growth opportunity for the Wendy’s brand. We’re also honored by the tremendous outpouring of support we’ve received over the past year from our customers in Japan urging us to return.”

Higa said: “As an entrepreneur who’s had past success with a Western QSR brand in Japan, I’m excited for the opportunity we have with Wendy’s and the potential to further adapt its quality product line for the Japanese consumer.”

In discussing plans for the re-launch of the Wendy’s brand in Japan, Higa commented: “We plan to reintroduce signature Wendy’s products, such as made-to-order hamburgers with square beef patties, chili and popular Frosty® desserts. At the same time, we’ll further differentiate our restaurants from other local restaurants by adding exciting new products like premium sandwiches and hamburgers with gourmet toppings, all served in a contemporary atmosphere that should exceed the expectations of Japanese consumers.”

This is the first joint venture for Wendy’s/Arby’s International, which demonstrates the commitment by the Company to re-enter this important quick-service restaurant market. In December 2009, Wendy’s did not renew its franchise agreement with its former franchisee for Japan, resulting in the closing of 71 restaurants.

As stated in previous communications, Wendy’s/Arby’s International is considering equity investments in other key markets that have the potential for substantial restaurant development, such as China and Brazil.

About Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc.

Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the U.S. and includes Wendy’s International, Inc., the franchisor of the Wendy’s restaurant system, and Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc., the franchisor of the Arby’s® restaurant system. The combined restaurant systems include more than 10,000 restaurants in the U.S. and 26 other countries and U.S. territories worldwide.

About Higa Industries Co, Ltd.

Higa Industries Co, Ltd. has had a successful track record joining with various global companies to launch new ventures in the Japanese market for such diverse businesses as lumber, medical and the restaurant industry. As the Master Franchisee for Domino’s Pizza in Japan, Higa Industries was a pioneer of the $1.3 billion home delivery pizza industry. At present, Higa Industries is importing and distributing to the institutional trade ethnic food products and ingredients, such as basil, avocado, pimento, garlic and olive oil. Higa Industries has established a reputation for innovation through its quality control, distribution and product development, combined with reliable supply chain management and competitive pricing.