Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group Lead Wendy's Expansion

(Photo : Siyuan Lin on Unsplash)

Since the international holding firm Kusto Group, led by Yerkin Tatishev, announced its partnership with the Wissol Group and Wendy's to open fast food restaurants across Central Asia in 2019, the alliance has only become more and more ambitious.

At the Wendy's Annual Franchise Convention in Washington, D.C., in October 2023, Kusto Group founder Yerkin Tatishev revealed that the company plans on launching 55 Wendy's branches in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan by 2030.

Furthermore, Kusto Group is set to introduce a drive-thru based on AI and a Next Generation restaurant layout in Kazakhstan by the summer of 2024.

Yerkin Tatishev attended the Wendy's Annual Franchise Convention with other franchise leaders to celebrate the restaurant's 54 years in business and discuss the future of Wendy's.

While there, the Kusto Group founder detailed the firm's expansion plans in Central Asia to Wendy's executives and visited the restaurant's headquarters in Ohio. There, he learned about new initiatives and technologies used by Wendy's.

Yerkin Tatishev: 60% of ingredients are from local suppliers

In 2019, Kusto Group, under the leadership of Yerkin Tatishev, unveiled a partnership with both the Wissol Group and the American fast food brand Wendy's.

The partnership is set to bring Wendy's much-loved dining experience to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia. The strategic alliance has set a target to inaugurate 65 Wendy's outlets within these Central Asian countries by 2030.

The initiative promises more than just the spread of American fast food to the three countries; it represents a vital element of Kusto Group's dedication to the local communities it serves within these regions.

Under the outlined strategy, Kazakhstan is expected to house 25 Wendy's branches, which will create about 800 new jobs. In a similar vein, Uzbekistan is set to be home to 20 Wendy's establishments, with Georgia also joining the list.

Yerkin Tatishev has a clear and strong belief in the importance of Kusto Group's project with Wendy's.

"Through our collaboration with Wendy's, Kusto Group has brought the best international standards of safe and wholesome restaurant management to the Central Asian market," he stated in 2019.

He also said that he had experienced a significant demand in the region for premium products that make use of local produce. Yerkin Tatishev highlighted that his primary goal with Wendy's is to benefit local communities.

Distinguishing their approach from numerous Western chains that depend largely on imports, the Kusto Group founder pointed out that 60% of the ingredients at their Wendy's branches are obtained from local sources—a percentage he anticipates will increase.

Kusto Group's Diverse Portfolio — From Oil and Gas to Wendy's

Kusto Group is a Singapore-based diversified holding company with a dynamic portfolio that spans various sectors, including agriculture, real estate, construction materials, oil and gas, and technology. Established by Yerkin Tatishev and partners, Kusto Group's roots trace back to the post-Soviet industrial growth period of Kazakhstan, where it began as a construction company.

Over the years, Kusto Group has expanded its footprint globally, leveraging its expertise in project management, business incubation, and strategic investment to grow its operations. The company prides itself on its commitment to innovation and excellence, fostering partnerships with industry leaders to bolster its growth trajectory across different verticals.

In agriculture, Kusto Group has made significant strides by adopting cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, contributing to food security and agricultural advancements.

At the same time, its real estate arm, Kusto Home, is renowned for developing prominent projects such as the Diamond Island luxury residential community in Vietnam.

New High-Tech Ventures

Kusto Group's construction materials sector focuses on providing sustainable and innovative building solutions, while its involvement in the oil and gas industry includes upstream exploration and production activities.

Moreover, the Yerkin Tatishev-led firm has ventured into the tech industry, aiming to support and invest in next-generation technologies that can lead to transformative outcomes.

Central to Kusto Group's ethos is a strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, underpinned by the belief that businesses should actively contribute to the communities they operate in.

This principle is reflected in their commitment to creating jobs, engaging in local partnerships, and ensuring environmental stewardship.

Yerkin Tatishev's Role in Kusto Group's Success

As the founder and chairman of Kusto Group, Yerkin Tatishev has been instrumental in steering the conglomerate's global growth and diversification.

With a keen entrepreneurial spirit, he has cultivated the company's presence across multiple industries, embodying a vision that melds innovation with sustainable development.

His leadership extends beyond corporate success, encompassing significant contributions to educational initiatives and community development.

Furthermore, Yerkin Tatishev's strategic guidance has not only positioned Kusto Group as a leader in its sectors but also as a responsible entity committed to societal advancement and environmental stewardship.