US-based hot dog franchise Wienerschnitzel has revealed plans to extend its presence into Walmart stores - a significant step in its non-traditional expansion strategy.
The move will see the opening of six new restaurants within Walmart locations by autumn 2025.
The selected Walmart stores are in Alamogordo, New Mexico; Bakersfield, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Puyallup, Washington; Reno, Nevada and Tempe, Arizona.
The outlets will be operated by local franchisees, reflecting the brand's focus on leveraging high-calibre partnerships to bolster its expansion.
Wienerschnitzel's growth within Walmart stores is complemented by the appointment of Shak Turner as the new director of franchise expansion.
Turner joined in March 2025 and has a pivotal role in driving the brand's growth across non-traditional formats and attracting top-tier multi-unit franchise candidates.
Turner stated: "Wienerschnitzel has spent decades building a strong reputation, especially on the West Coast, and this expansion into Walmart stores signifies a new era of growth for the brand.
"It's clear Wienerschnitzel's unique concept fills a specific void for multi-brand franchisees looking to grow their portfolios, which is one of the elements that attracted me to the brand initially. I'm thrilled to join this amazing team and play a part in spearheading initiatives and new partnerships, which will no doubt catapult the brand to new markets."
Wienerschnitzel is exploring opportunities in diverse high-traffic venues such as airports, military bases, theme parks, food courts and convenience stores.
These initiatives are part of the brand's ongoing efforts to adapt and expand its business model to new and varied environments.
Customers visiting the new Wienerschnitzel locations at Walmart can expect the full menu, including favourites such as the Chili Cheese Dog and Tastee Freez soft serve desserts.
Wienerschnitzel currently operates 340 franchised locations across 13 states, with 50 more units in various stages of development.
The brand's expansion efforts are further supported by its partnership in March 2025 with Presto Phoenix, an AI-driven solutions provider, to implement voice AI ordering technology in its drive-through locations.
