Free burgers at Wendy’s opening in Basildon

Basildon is set to welcome a fresh new dining experience as Wendy’s opens its doors at Unit 22, Festival Leisure Park on 12 November 2025, including a brand-new drive thru. The 2,450sqft new restaurant will bring Wendy’s signature high-quality menu to Essex, while creating 55 new jobs for the local community.

To celebrate the grand opening, Wendy’s will be giving away free burgers to the first 50 customers through the door on opening day. Plus one lucky visitor will win free Wendy’s for an entire year – the ultimate golden ticket for burger lovers.

The eatery’s launch will be marked by an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am, led by the Mayor of Basildon Borough, Councillor Allan Davies, alongside other special guests including players from Bowers & Pitsea Ladies FC whose kits are being sponsored by Wendy’s. 

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.

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.”

Councillor Allan Davies, the Mayor of Basildon Borough, added:

“I am delighted to welcome Wendy’s to Basildon. This is a positive step forward in the continued development of our leisure offering and a strong signal of confidence in our local economy. Wendy’s is a well-known and respected brand and its arrival, with extended hours and a prime location among cinemas, bowling and nightlife is sure to make Wendy’s Basildon a go to destination for flavour packed meals and late-night bites.”