From 'Where's the Beef?' to the Metaverse — Here's How Wendy's Keeps Innovating Fast Food Discover these surprising facts about Wendy's, from its iconic square burgers to its innovative drive-thru and commitment to social responsibility.
By Clarissa Buch Zilberman Edited by Carl Stoffers
Key Takeaways
- Wendy's has been a pioneer in fast-food innovation, introducing the modern drive-thru system.
- The brand remains deeply rooted in its founder's vision of family and quality.
- Wendy's is dedicated to corporate responsibility and sustainability.
Known for its fresh, never frozen beef and iconic square burgers, Wendy's has firmly established itself as a staple in the fast-food industry. Founded by Dave Thomas in 1969, Wendy's began as a single location in Columbus, Ohio, and has since expanded into a global brand with thousands of restaurants worldwide.
The brand's clever marketing campaigns, such as the unforgettable "Where's the Beef?" slogan in the 1980s, have made Wendy's a cultural icon. From its humble beginnings to its ventures into the metaverse, Wendy's has continually evolved while staying true to its founder's vision. Explore these 10 intriguing facts to learn more about the iconic chain.
1. Wendy's is named after Dave Thomas's daughter Melinda.
The name Wendy's comes from Dave Thomas's daughter Melinda. Melinda's siblings had trouble pronouncing her name, so they would call her Wenda. Dave chose the name to convey a sense of family, warmth and reliability.
2. Customers were confused with the first drive-thru.
While Wendy's didn't invent the pick-up window, it was the first to introduce the modern drive-thru system in 1970. This innovation streamlined service and made it more convenient for customers to enjoy, but the company had to educate users how to use it, as they were very confused on how to use the speaker.
3. "Where's the Beef?" was an instant hit.
Wendy's made a lasting impact on popular culture with its 1984 "Where's the Beef?" advertising campaign featuring Clara Peller. The catchphrase became an instant hit when Clara was inspecting a burger whose meat was unsubstantial. It even led to a 31% boost in sales.
4. Dave Thomas helped create the KFC Bucket.
Before founding Wendy's, Dave Thomas worked for KFC and was instrumental in creating the iconic KFC bucket. His experience at KFC helped him develop the skills and knowledge needed to launch his own successful fast-food chain.
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5. Wendy's is leveraging AI to improve the customer experience.
Embracing technology, Wendy's has introduced AI-powered drive-thrus to enhance customer service and efficiency. The Wendy's FreshAI initiative uses artificial intelligence to streamline ordering and improve accuracy, providing a better experience for customers.
6. Wendy's hosts an annual virtual 5K.
Wendy's hosts an annual virtual 5K run, known as the Frosty 5K, to support the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Participants can run or walk the 5K from any location, and all proceeds go towards helping children in foster care find permanent homes. In 2023, the Frosty 5K raised $215,000.
7. Wendy's has entered the metaverse.
Wendy's has entered the metaverse with the Wendyverse, a virtual space where fans can interact with the brand in new and exciting ways, like visiting the park fountain that sprays Fanta soda. This initiative allows Wendy's to engage with a younger, tech-savvy audience and explore innovative marketing opportunities.
8. Wendy's expects to power 200 restaurants with solar energy.
Wendy's is expanding its use of solar energy as part of its sustainability efforts. By 2025, Wendy's expects to power over 200 restaurants with solar energy. Right now, almost 70 Florida restaurants are receiving solar energy from Duke Energy and FPL.
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9. Wendy's sells 300 million Frostys per year.
Wendy's sells an astounding 300 million Frostys every year. This beloved frozen treat has been a fan favorite since its introduction in 1969.
10. Wendy's grows tomatoes and lettuce in their own greenhouses.
Wendy's has its own greenhouse-grown tomatoes and lettuce to ensure fresh and high-quality ingredients year-round.
