This article is one in a series of conversations with women leaders in the construction industry. Click here for past discussions.
It makes sense that Abigail Pringle grew up on a cattle farm in Maine. She is now an executive at one of the country’s top fast food restaurants known for its “fresh, never frozen” beef.
The chief development officer of The Wendy’s Co. is responsible for restaurant design, real estate, construction and franchise development. She oversees the Dublin, Ohio-based company’s restaurant and franchise development across the world and as president of the company’s International division leads all aspects of the company’s business outside of the U.S.
In addition, Pringle, who has been with the company since 2002, is the executive sponsor of Women of Wendy’s, the company’s employee network focused on developing and empowering female leaders.
Here, Pringle talks with Construction Dive about her advice from her own career and how she aims to advance Wendy’s international footprint.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
CONSTRUCTION DIVE: What do you do in your current job?
Abigail Pringle: I have served in my current role since June 2019. While I’m based in Columbus near our headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, you’ll often find me traveling across the U.S. and visiting our international markets.
I collaborate across our international, design, construction and development teams to accelerate our global growth. The work includes expanding into new markets, growing our system of franchisees and optimizing our restaurants to meet changing consumer preferences, with our recent focus on building restaurants for the digital age.
What led you to choose construction and development for your career?
The combination of strategic thinking and creative problem-solving, rooted in understanding business economics, is what resonated with me in construction and development. I was proud to play a central role when Wendy’s returned to growth as a strategic focus in 2013.
Today, our vision to become the world’s most thriving and beloved restaurant brand continues to push the possibilities of design, technology and innovation to deliver industry-leading restaurant design and builds across our global footprint.
What are some of the initiatives you are working on now?
Working in construction and growth demands consistent agility and creativity to serve key stakeholders. At Wendy’s, that means focusing on the evolving needs of our customers, crew and franchisees while building a strong restaurant economic model.
Our Global Next Gen restaurant standard is the most recent example, with the design unlocking up to 400 times the digital capacity of previous restaurant designs. Restaurant build improvements included adding self-order kiosks, passthrough order pick-up shelving and dedicated parking for mobile and delivery order pick-up help to create a more convenient experience for digital-first customers.
Global Next Gen sets the stage for better returns for our franchisees, improving the restaurant economic model and shortening the payback period with a simplified construction buildout, lower capital expenditures and improved operating expenses.
What are a few of the projects you’ve most enjoyed working on and why?
Our newest Global Next Gen restaurant design is one of my favorite recent projects. We tapped into the power of thoughtful design and innovation to create a restaurant design standard for the digital age. We developed the design in partnership with key stakeholders throughout the Wendy’s system, incorporating performance data from layout simulations and feedback from franchisees, cross-functional teams and crew to ensure the design delivers a better experience for all.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see the three new Global Next Gen restaurants now open and serving customers less than one year from unveiling the designs, with more than 200 on the way.
What about your international work?
In 2021, we launched in the U.K. as part of a plan to develop Europe and most recently, we announced a new master franchise agreement with Flynn Restaurant Group to develop 200 Wendy’s restaurants in Australia through 2034.
Flynn has been a great franchise partner to us in the U.S., and we’re excited to grow together in a new international market. It’s an important reminder of how important relationships are — no matter your industry. Ultimately, people do deals with people.
What advice would you give to young women considering construction as a career?
Resilience is critical to your success in the construction field. Don't be deterred by any preconceived notions about who you believe belongs in the industry. Instead, continue to build your expertise and knowledge.
I’m a big believer in understanding the economics of your business. Embrace opportunities to expand your knowledge, whether it's through formal education, on-the-job training or industry events. When you are grounded in understanding how to drive stronger economic performances, you are more likely to earn a seat at the table.
It’s important to seek out companies with mentors and role models who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your career in construction. I'm proud to be a co-founder of Wendy’s first Employee Resource Group, called “Women of Wendy’s,” which is dedicated to nurturing and empowering female leaders within Wendy’s. Surround yourself with individuals who believe in lifting others and return the gift of mentorship when you’re able.
