Wendy's — Restaurant in Colchester

So, I thought I may have tried Wendy’s stateside but It seems I have not. I thought it was table service, it is not. Wendy’s is very much a quick service restaurant (a QSR to those in the know).

Digital screens helpfully remove the people element from the service equation and diligently make available to all the food options for the day. On this occasion I will try the breakfast offer. Comparatively new to the breakfast scene, Wendy’s is a USA styled traditional QSR breakfast not dissimilar to other offerings from across the water. It does seem that the offer is either more rustic in compilation and ingredients, or on this occasion put together with the love seen only by a small child, a wooden spoon and tin pan. More effort required!

Now, do not for a second believe that this meant the breakfast fayre was not nice in flavour, it was actually better than okay. The egg was not a “machine formed” puck but a relatable hand fried offering with a mild crisp to the edge. The bun was soft and enjoyable. The bacon was cooked as one would hope (although contentious this subject is, as one man’s crispy bacon is another woman’s antipathy!!), the extra sausage patty was as you would expect. However, the whole package (not the packaging you understand) was just a little… unloved???

The breakfast potatoes were nice, a 35p upgrade gave a good portion for one to enjoy. I would say that these potatoes were hot. I have said it before and no doubt say it again in other reviews but when something is served hot, hot, you can lose the flavour and the enjoyment of consumption. These were a little on that side but if this is something to complain about, then I have somewhat missed the point in life and should learn to wait a while, like any other enlightened human that enjoys the roof of their mouth and a palate into old age.

It is hard to comment on service. Interaction was at a low level. I collected the food from my the counter after my numerical identifier was called and I was sent on my way. I do not recall any interactions from across the wooden divide. Which is mores the pity. You see Wendy’s is an alien brand to the UK. Although we know the name through stateside ‘lore. We do not know what it is exactly… So, the assumption that we have “been before”, know what to do, what to expect or where to get everything is somewhat assumptive.

It was quiet… atmosphere is hard to manage when it is quiet. The music was on, the space relatively cavernous, lots of windows and slightly cold by perception. Some may say it was modern, but sadly without guests at the time of my visit. It is lacking; I see what they want, I hope that they get what they seek being a justifiable alternative to the “staid and ubiquitous” but have they tried to tick the boxes rather than round the corners of the more traditional square??

Now, here is where I get a little preachy. Maybe we (as Brits) need to know the Wendy’s practices first. Do away with the digi’ stand menu device, robot thingy and get us to the order point. Let’s, “meet the team” get some recommendations, meet the “baconator” and learn what is (or possibly is) worth bringing Wendy’s to the UK. Now, I get I chose that digital interaction over face to face chat but I did that through lack of knowledge / blind ignorance if you will, rather than desire or preference. I know the menu-pole robots have their place, but in a business the definable “nobody” knows?? Do they, really? Or should the team tell me what they really love?

Will try again…...

My son was very eager to go here as soon as it opened, so we visited on the Saturday after it did. Although it was busy, it wasn't overwhelmingly so and we were able to get a table within a couple of minutes. A large menu on the wall shows clearly what is on offer, so those waiting for an order screen can begin to decide what to get. Orders are placed via the screens just inside the doors and tickets allocated collection numbers. The restaurant itself is bright, clean and simply decorated. Tables were cleared and cleaned as soon as customers left. Unfortunately we waited almost half an hour before our food was finally ready, so not so speedy yet on the fast food side of things. In that time, my son had to get up to shut the door half a dozen times as people kept leaving it open and considering it was July, it was a cold, windy and rainy day. The draft was visibly getting to others as I witnessed others also get up to shut the door multiple times. Considering this is a brand new building, why they didn't put in automatic doors which would not only have prevented this issue, but would have also made entering and exiting easier for those unable to manage a heavy door, is beyond me. When we did eventually get our food it was wonderful. My son is a fussy eater, yet managed all the fries and burger happily. I had to stick with a bottle of water, as they had no more full fat coke. (can't have diet, gives me migraines) Unfortunately as we were eating the computer systems went down and the staff had to disappoint new customers coming in, as they were unable to take any orders. From listening to them though, all the staff were very apologetic to each person and carefully explained each time, taking time to answer every question asked of them. Credit where its due, the staff faced a mini crisis and handled it well, considering the potential loss of customers. We will be returning here. I sincerely hope that the staff maintain their high standards as that impressed me more than anything. Can only hope the owner does something about the door, for everyone's sake,...

As others have stated, this location was supposed to open in May! This writing is as of 18th July, 2023. The store actually opened today!

They were not open for breakfast, but did open for lunch at 1030. (I actually went to the location at 0700 and spoke to staff). I must disclose, I generally do not go to places within the 1st month of opening.

I did go back for the opening and was 10th in line.

Let's get to the food! I didn't deal with fries or drinks! I did have the Baconator, Avocado Classic Chicken Sandwich, and a Spicy Chicken Sandwich. I felt that would give all of the main meat-based flavors! Everything was on standard with the US-based company! The flavors, seasoning, and portions were absolutely nostalgic. The quality is there!

The location: This, as of right now, is an issue! If you drive it is fabulous! Located immediately off of the A12 at J28! This is the 1st tenant to open in the new Northern Gateway Leisure Park. Therefore, there is a lot of construction and confusion.

This location is directly outside the Colchester Community Stadium. The pathways are not complete for pedestrians. This is NOT due to Wendy's! Just beware, if walking! Once the larger structures are complete in the park, this will not be an issue.

The venue boasts the 1st drive-thru in the UK, for a corporate owned Wendy's. It has a decent size indoor dining area, complete with a gender neutral toilet, and a separate gender neutral accessible toilet, and an outside seating area.

There are 4 touch screen kiosks for ordering. There is also a single in-person till. On my visit, it was cashless only, including the till.

I will visit again for breakfast, and again after a month and update! If they can fix the gremlins, and maintain the quality, I'll be a face they know!

I've only down-rated service, due to the issues they had on opening should've...