Wendy's opening restaurant at ex-Colchester High Street Next

Wendy’s bosses have confirmed the chain is taking over the former Next store in High Street, with an opening date yet to be revealed.

The new restaurant building on the success of the Wendy’s drive-thru at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park in north Colchester.

The burger joint is also opening a new restaurant in Southend and welcomed its first diners at a new restaurant in Chelmsford last month.

The new Wendy's restaurant in Chelmsford High Street (Image: Newsquest)

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Managing director Michael Clarke said: “We’ve seen great momentum in building Wendy’s fandom in the UK, and the love and excitement for this iconic brand grows stronger with each new restaurant opening.

“British consumers constantly ask ‘where’s Wendy’s opening next?’ and we’re thrilled to answer the call by rapidly expanding our brand presence into new areas across the country, giving Brits more access to fresh, high-quality food that they deserve.”

Restaurant bosses have applied to Colchester Council for permission to install the brand’s distinctive red and blue branding at the ex-Next site.

Next called time on its shop in Colchester High Street in 2022.

Wendy’s opened its first site in Colchester, just off junction 28 of the A12, in July last year.

It was the first business to open its doors at the £65million Northern Gateway Leisure Park, with its neighbour Greggs opening in December.

A Fastned electric vehicle charging station has also opened at the leisure park, with a Travelodge hotel and Cineworld cinema among the businesses coming soon.