GEORGE TOWN, Nov 4 — American fast-food chain Wendy’s opened its first northern region outlet on the island today and has plans in the pipeline for two more on the mainland.

Wendy's Malaysia managing director Sydney Quays said they are investing around RM3 million to open the three outlets, one at Sunrise Tower in Gurney Drive, one in Batu Kawan and another in Juru.

"We will be opening our first drive-through at the Juru outlet which is expected to be ready in January next year,” he told reporters at the grand opening of the Wendy's outlet at Sunrise Tower here this morning.

The opening of the Sunrise Tower outlet brings the total Wendy's outlets in Malaysia to 10, with nine of it located in Kuala Lumpur. The two other outlets will bring the total Wendy's outlets in Malaysia to 12.

Wendy's opened its first outlet in Malaysia in 2008 and prides itself on its high quality burgers.

Customers queuing to order at the new Wendy's outlet in Penang, November 4, 2016.

Its two-storey Sunrise Tower outlet has a seating capacity of 80 people and it has signature dishes available only at this outlet such as Wendy's chicken or beef chilli.

"We want to make the outlet here iconic as it is located in such a famous area, Gurney Drive, where people come to eat,” Quays said.

He expects a strong growth for the company with the opening of its latest outlet and the two more in the pipeline.

"We are now focusing on these three outlets in the northern region first but after this, we may consider opening elsewhere if the opportunities arise,” he said.

Wendy's Malaysia is operated by Wen Berjaya Sdn Bhd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary company under Berjaya Corporation Sdn Bhd.