Wagamama opens in Oz

UK-based noodle-bar chain Wagamama is to expand into its third overseas country in May when its first Australian branch opens in Sydney.

Wagamama chief executive Ian O'Neill said that the restaurant would be run under a franchise agreement with Stewart Koziora, the former chief executive officer of the Lone Star steak house chain, and Luke Friar who, four years ago, was the world's youngest Burger King franchisee.

Wagamama first moved outside the UK in 1998 when it opened in Dublin, then in Amsterdam in late 2000, both times with franchise partners.

It has also formed a joint venture in Germany and hopes to open outlets in Cologne this year and, later, in Berlin.