Ngakaari Hapi hadn't tried Wendys before it came to Rotorua - now she's training for a job there.
The city's newest restaurant, Wendys Old Fashioned Hamburgers, opened for business at 7am today following several months of construction.
Yesterday invited guests were able to enjoy samples of the Wendys menu.
Mrs Hapi, who went
along, said she had not tried Wendys food before it came to Rotorua, but was now training to become an assistant manager at the new restaurant.
She said the amount of jobs the restaurant had helped create locally was fantastic.
'It's really good for Rotorua," she said.
The restaurant, on the corner of Maisey Place and Fairy Springs Rd, has employed 56 staff following a recruitment open day in Rotorua early last month, which attracted 350 applicants.
Wendys chief executive Danielle Lendich said staff had practised their service on local business people last week to prepare for the opening.
She said most people were excited the restaurant had come to town.
"It's very popular. Rotorua has wanted us to come to town for a long time."
The 2022sq m Rotorua site features a restaurant with seating for 65 people, a drive-through and a carpark for 20 vehicles, with access off Maisey Pl.
