There are big changes coming to Wendy’s in 2024. The company installed a latest leadership team, implemented latest franchisee recruitment strategies and even introduced bilingual artificial intelligence to its drive-thru – all of which propelled the burger brand back to the top ten. (Last 12 months, Wendy’s was ranked seventeenth)
Let’s start with leadership. Kirk Tanner has been named president and CEO after a nearly 32-12 months profession at PepsiCo. (He was most recently CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America). The brand also appointed latest people to the positions of presidents in the US and around the world. Then got here latest initiatives — akin to data-driven incentive programs that help open latest franchises in locations with the highest probability of profitability. Wendy’s has also introduced development incentives in Canada and parts of Latin America.
The team also focused on a latest “next generation” restaurant design, enabling simplified design, lower capital expenditure and reduced operating costs. Wendy’s says it has unlocked up to 400 times more digital and delivery capability than previous designs.
“The response to this latest development has been overwhelmingly positive from both the franchise community and the industry,” says Abigail E. Pringle, Wendy’s latest U.S. president. As of last November, Wendy’s was on track to launch nearly 300 next-generation locations by the end of 2024.
To optimize its drive-thru experience, Wendy’s has implemented voice-enabled artificial intelligence that may take orders in English and Spanish. The system combines conversational artificial intelligence with audio and visual technologies to create a personalized, consistent customer experience. Real people working at the counters add a personal touch.
“The new Spanish language feature, while still in its early stages of development, enables Wendy’s crew members to better serve Spanish-speaking customers,” says Pringle. “The results of tests conducted in selected company restaurants encourage us and we plan to expand in 2025.”
Of course, there was also food promotion. One recent example is the Krabby Patty Kollab, combining Wendy’s Krabby Patty Kollab Burger and Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty to have a good time the occasion SpongeBobtwenty fifth anniversary. Pringle says the promotion “has really made a positive impression with consumers, driving impressive sales growth and interest in Wendy’s.”
Looking ahead, Pringle says: “With more than 400 new development commitments already made in 2024, we have approximately 1,200 restaurants open by 2025.” These restaurants will join the more than 7,000 Wendy’s restaurants around the world.