Wendy’s

Wendy’s – Absolute NNN Investment
Tampa MSA | High-Growth Florida Market | Passive Income | Strategic Drive‑Thru QSR Asset

This offering provides a rare opportunity to acquire a single-tenant Wendy’s property operating under a long-term absolute triple net (NNN) lease in the heart of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Positioned on a high-traffic suburban corridor, this drive-thru asset delivers zero landlord responsibilities, scheduled rent escalations, and truly passive, reliable income—backed by a nationally recognized quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand. With Tampa’s sustained population growth, expanding economy, and favorable tax environment, this Wendy’s investment offers premier performance fundamentals, making it highly desirable for income-focused investors, 1031 exchange participants, and institutional capital.

Tenant Overview – Wendy’s | National QSR Brand

Wendy’s is the third-largest burger chain in the United States, operating more than 6,800 locations globally. The brand is renowned for its signature square patties, fresh-cut fries, and quality-driven menu at accessible price points. Wendy’s remains competitive through continuous menu innovation, strong digital platforms, and enhanced delivery and drive-thru efficiencies. This location functions under an absolute NNN lease, making the tenant responsible for all property costs—taxes, insurance, maintenance, roof, HVAC, landscaping, and parking upkeep. Scheduled rent escalations every five years (typically 6–10%) deliver compound income growth and inflation protection. Wendy’s is a recognized top-tier national tenant, offering stability and strong unit-level sales in suburban and gateway markets.

Lease Structure & Income Profile

• Lease Type: Absolute NNN—tenant covers 100% of all property-related expenses
• Lease Term: 15–20-year initial lease
• Renewal Options: Typically two to four 5-year extensions
• Rent Escalations: Fixed increases every five years (6–10%)
• Investor Benefits: Passive “mailbox” income, inflation-hedged returns, no management burden
• Expense Exposure: None—tenant assumes full financial responsibility

The structure provides predictable and steady income for the hold term, making this asset ideal for income-seeking investors building a low-risk portfolio in a major Sunbelt metro.

Market Overview – Tampa MSA | Southeast Coastal Powerhouse

The Tampa MSA is home to over 3.3 million residents, ranking among the top 20 U.S. metros by population. The region continues to see robust growth—from new residents and businesses—fueled by a favorable tax structure (no state income tax), affordable cost of living compared to coastal cities, and a high quality of life. Economic drivers include healthcare, tourism, logistics, finance, and distribution, with major regional employers such as Tampa General Hospital, BayCare Health System, **Amazon, and Jabil. Tampa’s port and transportation infrastructure further position the MSA for long-term growth in trade and warehousing, supporting retail tenant demand.

Site Analysis – Prime Drive‑Thru Location

This freestanding Wendy’s is ideally situated along a primary suburban arterial corridor that sees 30,000–45,000+ vehicles per day, providing excellent drive-thru exposure. The building features dual‑lane ingress/egress, ample stacking lanes, and strong frontage with clear drive‑by visibility.

The property benefits from proximity to strong co-tenants—grocers, pharmacies, banks, convenience stores, and fast-casual restaurants—creating synergistic traffic and repeat visitation. Located in a dense and rapidly growing suburban trade area, this Wendy’s benefits from surrounding rooftops, schools, employment complexes, and medical clinics, generating reliable foot and vehicle traffic throughout the day.

Trade-Area Demographics & Growth Fundamentals

• Population (3–5 mile radius): Over 140,000
• Median Household Income: $75,000–$100,000+
• Age Demographics: Balanced mix of families, professionals, Gen Z, millennials, retirees, and seasonal residents

Submarkets such as Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Lakeland, and Clearwater have experienced significant population growth. Tampa’s expanding suburbs cater to families and retirees, fueling demand for convenience-driven QSR offerings. New residential developments and healthcare complexes continue to drive daytime and evening traffic in the trade area.

Income Growth & Inflation Protection

Built-in escalators every five years—typically 6%–10%—provide contractual income growth and offset inflation. The absolute NNN structure shifts all insurance and maintenance costs to the tenant, making this asset highly predictable and easy to model. Long-term triple net QSR leases are considered some of the most secure and scalable real estate investments available.

Why Wendy’s in Tampa MSA?

1. High-Growth Market: Tampa is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing metros in Florida and the U.S.
2. Diversified Economy: Healthcare, logistics, tourism, and financial services strengthen consumer bases.
3. Tax Advantages: Florida’s no-income-tax status enhances consumer spend and investor returns.
4. Suburban Drive‑Thru Resilience: QSRs like Wendy’s thrive in suburban corridors with commuter and family traffic.
5. National Brand & Tenant Strength: Wendy’s has real estate stability and franchisee support.
6. Inflation-Hedged Lease: Regular escalations safeguard NOI against rising costs.
7. Landlord Simplicity: Absolute NNN removes day-to-day management responsibilities.
8. Institutional Quality: Suitable for REITs, 1031 exchange clients, family offices, and passive-income investors.
9. Limited Asset Supply: Freestanding drive‑thru QSR properties are increasingly rare in Tampa’s expanding suburbs.
10. Exit Strategy: Long-term lease with renewal options enhances marketability and refinance potential.

Key Investment Highlights

• Single-tenant Wendy’s with absolute triple net lease structure
• Long-term passive income with zero landlord obligations
• Scheduled rent escalations every five years
• Drive‑thru optimized site located on a 30,000–45,000+ VPD corridor
• Located in Tampa MSA—an expanding coastal metro with strong demographic tailwinds
• Affluent suburban trade area (median income $75k–$100k+)
• Strong national co-tenancy and stable consumer demand
• QSR brand resiliency with digital and delivery channels complementing drive‑thru sales
• Inflation-protected lease structure aligned with conservative underwriting criteria
• Ideal for 1031 exchange and passive investment portfolios

Conclusion

This Wendy’s net lease investment in the Tampa MSA offers investors a premium combination of secure income, landlord-free ownership, tenant strength, and inflation-protected cash flow within a growth-oriented metro. The absolute NNN lease, scheduled escalations, and high-traffic drive-thru location position this asset as a core addition to any passive real estate portfolio.

Whether building a passive-income portfolio, executing a 1031 exchange, or seeking net lease allocations with institutional metrics, this Wendy’s delivers stability, simplicity, and long-term performance in one of Florida’s fastest-growing markets. Similar assets are rarely available and tend to close quickly—this offering stands out for its quality, predictability, and upside potential.

For full offering materials, lease summary, demographic maps, and underwriting data, please contact us today. High-quality triple-net QSR assets in Tampa’s high-demand corridors are limited—and this Wendy’s is an exceptional example of an income-performing investment.