Basildon is set to welcome a fresh new dining experience as Wendy’s officially opens its doors at Unit 22, Festival Leisure Park on 12 November 2025, including a brand-new drive thru. The 2,450 sq. ft new restaurant will bring Wendy’s signature high-quality menu to Essex, while creating 55 new jobs for the local community.
The eatery’s launch will be marked by an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am. Situated within Basildon’s buzzing entertainment and leisure hub (often dubbed ‘Bas Vegas’), the site offers a new wave of flavour and hospitality.
Located close to the M23, it becomes Wendy’s eighth UK location under NFH Restaurants, a locally owned and operated franchise partner and part of the JRK Group and a business known for its commitment to community investment.
The Basildon restaurant will also be the first drive-thru on Festival Leisure Park, offering added convenience for guests on the go. Backed by a £1.1 million investment into the local area, the opening marks a significant step in Wendy’s nationwide growth strategy to support job creation, infrastructure and long-term economic development.
Wendy’s is famously known for its square-shaped burgers. Rather than conforming to a round bun, the square patty peeks out from all sides, showcasing the brand’s belief in “not cutting corners.” Freshly prepared and never frozen, these burgers are made to stand out visually and deliver unbeatable flavour with every bite.
Wendy’s Basildon will feature dine-in, takeaway and drive thru options, and serve up its best-loved American classics including:
Baconator® – a double-patty burger stacked with crispy bacon and American cheese
Dave’s Single® – a freshly made beef burger with Wendy’s signature toppings
Spicy Chicken Sandwich – bold, flavour-packed and perfectly crisp
Frosty® – Wendy’s iconic thick and creamy frozen dessert
Vegetarian diners will also find plenty to enjoy, with options like the Veggie Stack- a square patty made from grains, vegetables and spices, alongside Veggie Bites and the Avocado Veggie Salad. Wendy’s Basildon will also debut a brand-new menu item: the Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger – a melty, indulgent twist on the classic, combining two comfort food favourites in one crave-worthy bite.
General Manager Joseph O’ Brian who will oversee the Basildon site said:
“We are incredibly excited to bring Wendy’s to Basildon and introduce the area to ‘fast food done right’. Wendy’s is all about quality, great-tasting food and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Festival Leisure Park is the perfect setting for our brand. It’s full of energy, personality and community spirit. We can’t wait to serve our new customers and become a key part of the local area.”
Wendy’s Basildon opens its doors to the public at 11am on 12 November 2025, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy fresh burgers, signature sides and crowd favourites – all served in a bright, modern setting at the heart of Festival Leisure Park.
