Wendy's will build 20 and remodel 50 company-operated restaurants in the U.S. and Canada in 2012 with new, bold, and contemporary designs. This follows the opening of 10 “Image Activation” restaurants in 2011. 

To see QSR's exclusive tour of one of the prototypes, go here.

The company conducted nationwide research and studied every aspect of the customers' restaurant experience.  

“Frankly, customers told us some of our restaurants are getting dated,” says David Karam, president of North America.  

“They also said they'd like to see our fresh food preparation and they want more comfort in our dining areas.”

Located in Columbus, Ohio, the sleek, ultra-modern restaurant (shown) features one of four designs being evaluated for inclusion in Wendy’s design portfolio.

The company also plans to test the designs with select franchisees this year.

Wendy's is the world's third largest quick-service hamburger company. The Wendy's system includes more than 6,500 franchise and company restaurants in the United States and 27 countries and U.S. territories worldwide. 

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