A major American burger chain is set to come to Southampton, a planning application and job advert reveals.

Wendy's is set to open its first location in the city in the ground floor of the vacant 17 Above Bar Street.

The shopfront was previously occupied by John Anthony and is positioned next door to Specsavers and Boots.

Wendy's is known for serving square burgers that hang over the bun and for its 'Frosty,' which is a frozen dairy dessert similar to a milkshake mixed with whippy ice cream.

The restaurant chain - which has been serving 'quality burgers' since 1969 - currently only has one eatery in Hampshire, located in Portsmouth.

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Wendy's returned to the UK in June 2021 by opening a store in Reading, citing that there was "a gap in the category" of fresh-made, affordably priced burgers.

The search is already on for a general manager for the Southampton location too as a job advert has been posted on LinkedIn.


The existing white shop front previously used by John Anthony.The existing white shop front previously used by John Anthony. (Image: Google Maps) Plans submitted look to replace the existing white John Anthony shopfront with a dark grey metal framed entrance way, with red beams and double-glazed automatic doors.

Wendy's also wants to put an electronic sign in the window of the old retail clothing shop.

Chinese restaurant Shanghai Bay - positioned on the first floor of the building - will be unaffected by the burger shop's arrival.