Wendy’s International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN) announced today preliminary sales results for September (Period 9), which ended on October 1. At Wendy’s(R) company operated restaurants in the United States, same- store sales grew by 2.5% in September, on top of a strong 8.5% increase in the same month a year ago. Same-store sales are up 3% year to date.

At Tim Hortons(R) restaurants in Canada, same-store sales grew by 7% to 8% in September, on top of a robust 10.1% increase in the same month a year ago. Same-store sales are up more than 9% year to date. At Tim Hortons in the U.S., same-store sales were up 11% to 12% in September. “We are pleased to report continued positive sales momentum at Wendy’s and Tim Hortons,” said Jack Schuessler, chief executive officer and president. “Wendy’s is on track for another good year on top of the very strong 7.9% increase in same-store sales for the year in 1999. Tim Hortons continues to produce sales growth above our expectations,” Schuessler said.

The company plans to publish its third quarter results on November 2. Management will host its 2000 Analyst and Investor Meeting in Columbus, Ohio, on November 15 and 16. Wendy’s International, Inc. is one of the world’s largest restaurant operating and franchising companies, with $7.1 billion in 1999 systemwide sales and two quality brands — Wendy’s and Tim Hortons.

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers(R) was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas and is the third largest quick-service hamburger chain in the world with more than 5,600 restaurants in the United States, Canada and international markets. Tim Hortons was founded in 1964 by Tim Horton and Ron Joyce and is the largest coffee and fresh baked goods chain in Canada. There are more than 1,750 restaurants in Canada and 115 in the U.S.