Wendy’s International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN – News) announced today preliminary average same-store sales for the fourth quarter of 2007, which ended on Sunday, December 30.
Average same-store sales at U.S. company restaurants decreased 0.8 percent for the quarter, compared to a 3.1 percent increase during the same quarter a year ago. 2007 full-year average same-store sales at U.S. company restaurants increased 0.9 percent.
Average same-store sales at U.S. franchise restaurants increased 0.2 percent for the quarter, compared to a 2.7 percent increase during the same quarter a year ago. 2007 full-year average same-store sales at U.S. franchise restaurants increased 1.4 percent.
“Although we made progress during the fourth quarter, I am not satisfied by our same-store sales results,” says CEO and president Kerrii Anderson. “We are addressing this challenge in 2008 by concentrating more resources to grow the top line with new products, customer service initiatives and advertising that will more effectively highlight Wendy’s superior quality.”
During the fourth quarter, Wendy’s promoted its Jalapeno Cheddar Double Melt premium hamburger with toppings melted in the middle of two fresh, never frozen beef patties. In addition, Wendy’s highlighted its Combo Choices which allows customers to mix-and-match their favorite sandwich, drink and choice of a side item–French fries, baked potato, side salad, Caesar side salad, chili, or Mandarin oranges.
“Our enhanced strategic plan, ‘Doing What’s Right for Our Customers’, leverages our strong history of quality and innovation and is focused on core menu development in hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and salads, as well as our total value strategy,” said Anderson. “It also emphasizes opportunities to grow our beverage, snack, late night and breakfast business.
“Our plan is focused on attracting new and important customer segments while we generate growth with a back-to-basics emphasis on how we are different, special and better,” adds Anderson.
Wendy’s kicks off 2008 with new 99-cents Stack Attack
Wendy’s recently introduced its new Stack Attack double cheeseburger featuring two fresh, never frozen beef patties with cheese in the center, topped with mayonnaise and ketchup–at an appealing price to customers of 99 cents.
“The new 99-cents Stack Attack is just one component of our strategic approach that will broaden the way people think about value from Wendy’s,” says Paul Kershisnik, senior vice president of marketing strategy and innovation. “With the launch of the Stack Attack, we’re giving our customers more value and more choices at a time when gasoline prices remain high and they may be experiencing continued financial pressures.”
In early 2008, Wendy’s also will continue to promote its premium large hamburgers made with fresh, never frozen beef. In addition, the Company will emphasize its new breakfast menu in certain markets that have a heavy concentration of company-owned restaurants that offer the new breakfast menu.
