Signs go up at Captain Cook Square for iconic US burger chain Wendy's first Teesside restaurant

Signs have gone up for Teesside's first Wendy's restaurant.

The American fast food chain is set to open a new restaurant in the former Thomas the Baker building at Captain Cook Square, in Middlesbrough. Works have been underway in recent months to transform the unit, with pictures taken this week showing teams working away on the sleek interior while the chain's logo takes centre stage above the doors.

Best known for its square burgers, Wendy's, which landed in the UK back in 2021, first announced it would be moving into the complex last September. And it now looks like there are just weeks to go until it opens in the town - with Captain Cook Square posting on Facebook that teams were "putting the finishing touches" to the new eatery.

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Tables, chairs, televisions, and other furniture are already inside the building and ready to go, with crews spotted painting a large Wendy's logo on Tuesday afternoon. An opening date has not yet been confirmed. Captain Cook Square remains in the midst of a major regeneration project after Middlesbrough Council bought the site in 2020. Go-karting venue Level X has already opened up - with a boutique cinema and restaurant concept Bazaar both set to open in the future.

Abigail Pringle, president, international and chief development officer, said last year: “As we continue to expand across the country, we are excited to bring more Wendy’s to more people. We have an exciting pipeline of restaurant openings that will bring Brits fresh options where they work, live, and play.

"Wendy’s focus has been on quality since day one and does not cut corners, a commitment illustrated by the brand’s iconic square hamburgers. All menu items are made to order and customisable, and ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible."

You can see some of Wendy's most popular signature burger items - from the 'spicy chicken sandwich' to the 'baconator' and 'Dave's single' - in our previous article here. Teesside Live has reached out to Wendy's and Captain Cook Square for comment.