This fast-food chain wants to come to Wichita, just needs a ‘well-capitalized’ franchisee
Every now and then, restaurant chains take a close look at Wichita and decide the city would be an ideal place to expand their brands.
But as we’ve learned, lots of things have to happen between the time a chain expresses interest in Wichita and the first restaurant actually opens. The initial and most difficult step, usually, is identifying a qualified franchisee. (For reference, see Shipley Do-Nuts, Jack in the Box and The Melting Pot — all of which have recently declared interest in Wichita but none of which appear to be coming any time soon.)
Recently, though, a pretty well-known chain said it was targeting Wichita, and it warrants a share.
An executive with Wienerschnitzel, which bills itself as “the world’s largest hot dog chain,” says the chain is interested in finding a local franchisee to take over the Wichita territory and open three restaurants here.
Wienerschnitzel’s director of franchise development, Ted Milburn, says that the California-based chain recently began opening restaurants in northwest Arkansas, and one of its new franchisees is about to open a third location in less than a year.
That’s the type of person they’re looking for in Wichita, he said.
“There are a handful of key territories within the state, but Wichita represents the ideal market for someone to capture a three-store exclusive and own the market outright,” he said, adding that the chain is seeking a “well-capitalized entrepreneur who is capable of opening three units over a six-year period.”
If that happens, he said, Wichita could see its first Wienerschnitzel soon. Though he’d love to see the first store open in Wichita in 2024, that timeline might be a bit optimistic.
“We are confident of identifying the right franchise partner and we’ll be headed to Wichita soon,” he said.
Wienerschnitzel got its start in Southern California in 1961. It’s known for its chili, which it uses to smother fries, hot dogs and burgers. The chain says it serves more than 120 million hot dogs a year and has more than 300 restaurants spread across 11 states.
It also offers sandwiches, breakfast items and desserts like shakes and floats made with Tastee Freez soft-serve ice cream.
I’ll be sure to let you know if anything develops.
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