May 19, 2013

Wendy's

Wendy's Operator Finds Back-Office Help in RTIconnect

Mike Allen is a believer in the “value menu," and not just on his restaurant menuboards. After struggling with a frustrating and costly back-office software system, the Florida operator replaced it with RTIconnect in his Wendy’s restaurants. The value-rich payback, he says, is...

Starbucks Holds $87.4M in Impact Media Value

Starbucks is the top quick-service restaurant brand with $87.4 million of Impact Media Value according to General Sentiment’s Q2 2012 QSR MediaMatch report.

McDonald’s ($39.4 million), Taco Bell ($38.7 million), Burger King ($37.4 million), and Chipotle ($29.5 million) round...

Wendy's Sees 25% Sales Increases at Prototype Units

In January, Wendy’s CEO Emil J. Brolick told investors he had a winning recipe to revive the historic brand, as he outlined a strategy that included both a “people reboot” and a push to roll out new store prototypes.

During the company’s second-quarter earnings...

Strawberry Workshop Sparks Chefs' Creativity

To help inspire better-for-you menu options in chain restaurants, the California Strawberry Commission last week hosted a Culinary Workshop for select restaurant chain corporate chefs,menu developers, and buyers.

The two-and-a-half day event provided an in-depth look at the field-to-fork...

Wendy’s CMO Elected to Dave Thomas Foundation Board

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption proudly announces the election of Craig Bahner to its board of trustees. Bahner is chief marketing officer at The Wendy’s Company.

"Craig is a proven leader and a welcome addition to our board," says Rita Soronen, president and CEO...

52-Unit Wendy's Franchisee Taps RTI as Back Office Technology Provider

Patterson & Associates, a Louisville, Kentucky-based Wendy's franchisee, has tapped Restaurant Technology, Inc. (RTI) to implement its RTIconnect back office technology in the franchisees's 52 Wendy's locations.

Church’s Chicken Hires EVP, Chief Marketing Officer

Jim Hyatt, president and chief executive officer of Church’s Chicken, announced today that Robert Crews will serve as the executive vice president, chief marketing officer for Church’s Chicken. He will report directly to Hyatt.

The Fruit Solution
June 2012

Walking into some quick-service restaurants these days can make you feel like you’ve just wandered into the produce section at Whole Foods. A colorful cornucopia of fresh fruit—from deep-yellow mangos and light-green apples to purple pomegranates and ruby-red strawberries—is...

Subway Leads Industry in Familiarity, Product Quality

When it comes to familiarity, product quality, and intent to purchase, consumers rank Subway higher than any other quick-service brand, according to a new study.

Dairy Queen, Wendy’s, Five Guys, and Chick-fil-A round out the top five of the Harris Poll EquiTrend Study, which...

The Push for Humane
June 2012

With more consumers interested in knowing where their food comes from, a growing number of quick-service companies are either pressuring their suppliers to improve the humane treatment of animals or switching food suppliers altogether. Cage-free eggs, gestation crate–free pigs, and free-...

Where America Works
May 2012

A half-century ago, there seemed to be considerable truth in the phrase, “As General Motors goes, so does the nation.” That sentiment reflected the general idea that the auto industry, and the manufacturing related to it, was a key sign of America’s economic health.

Sonic Fills Marketing, Franchising VP Roles

SONIC welcomes two new members to its Oklahoma City corporate leadership team as part of a continued effort to build upon positive momentum for the brand: Mike Gallagher, vice president of market planning and franchising, and Todd Smith, vice president of marketing.

Wendy's Launches "Wendy's Way" New Ad Campaign

Wendy's new advertising campaign, which debuted this month, focuses on consumer food choices and the benefits of choosing "Wendy's Way" – high quality ingredients and fresh, individual preparation.

The campaign features two consumer champions:

...
The Pink Slime Dilemma

One month after the “pink slime” controversy initially made waves across the U.S., a new report shows that consumers are still concerned about the contents of the meat they eat at quick serves.

The controversy, ignited after an ABC News report detailed the use of the additive...

Drive-Thru Performance Study 2012 Set to Launch

Since 1998 researchers across the country have undertaken thousands of drive-thru mystery shops each year with one goal in mind: to establish how quick-service restaurant chains are performing in the all-important drive-thru operation. It’s now that time of year again, as research for the...

Wendy’s Adds Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Chili Cheese Fries as Sides

Wendy’s has redefined side item offerings with its three new Signature Sides, now available in Wendy’s restaurants across the U.S.

Macaroni and cheese made with white Vermont Cheddar cheese; freshly oven-baked, U.S.-grown sweet potatoes; and Chili Cheese Fries sprinkled with...

Wendy's Franchisees Finding Better Applicants with HR Tech

Larger Wendy's franchisees are looking for a way to raise the overall quality of applicants applying for open positions.

Franchisees of 15 or more locations are beginning to turn toward online companies for help. The companies are providing solutions in the form of easy-to-...

Wendy’s Announces International Development Plans

The Wendy’s Company today announced an agreement with The Wissol Group to develop 25 restaurants in Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan over the next 10 years.

Wissol, which is one of the largest business groups in Georgia, is expected to open its first Wendy’s location in...

A Bright Idea
April 2012

America is sweet on citrus—even the sour varieties.

Restaurant operators and chefs are increasingly using
oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus items to liven up their menus with a fresh taste.

If there’s one word that seems to sum up citrus’ taste...

Wendy’s Appoints Bahner to Chief Marketing Officer

The Wendy’s Company today announced the appointment of Craig S. Bahner, 47, as chief marketing officer and a member of its executive leadership team, effective April 2. Bahner will report to Wendy’s President and Chief Executive Officer Emil Brolick.

Throughout a 20-year...