Ground work has begun on its new site, part of the former Red Barn Garden Centre, at 369 Andersons Bay Rd.
The busy road is the location of several other fast-food chains, such as McDonald's, KFC, Burger King and Hell Pizza.
''We've been looking for a site for some time, but it has been a case of being patient and finding the right location,'' Wendy's chief executive Danielle Lendich said.
The burger chain has resource consent to operate a 265sqm, about 62-seat restaurant and drive-through, its second South Island store. The first opened in Christchurch last year.
Ms Lendich said there would be 50 jobs for crew and six for management. How many would be full-time or part-time would depend on the job candidates, she said. Recruiting for management jobs had begun and crew positions would be advertised next year.
The restaurant would feature cafe-style seating and group seating for larger dining parties, and a two-sided grill that cooks meat faster and improves food safety.
The chain was also looking for other locations in the city to open. Wendy's has 21 restaurants in New Zealand.
Developer Home Centre Properties confirmed one of two other sections in the development would have Pita Pit and KiwiYo franchises. A tenant of the second site was not yet confirmed.
