Sub Chili, Baked Potato Or A Salad For Fries In Your Combo Meal?

Wendy's Explores That Idea In 3 Cities

(Wednesday, April 07, 2004) - Want a small chili, baked potato or side salad instead of French fries in your combo meal?

No problem.

Wendy's is testing the concept in New Orleans, Portland, Ore., and Charleston, W. Va. The outcome of the test will determine whether Wendy's will roll out the option to all its restaurants in North America.

As part of test, consumers can make the substitution for French fries at no additional charge.

The details of the test were previewed in February at the American Dietetic Association's Leadership Institute, where many of the attendees commented favorably on this initiative

"We all want a little variety in our combos once in a while," said Tom Mueller, Wendy's president and chief operating officer. "The wide variety of food on our existing menu opens up the door of possibilities for us.

"This effort could elevate our entire combo program to a whole new level. It's yet another example of how we're actively responding to the expectations of our customers for more varied, nutritious food options."

Instead of eight set combo meals – featuring hamburgers, chicken sandwiches or Homestyle Chicken Strips, with French fries and a soft drink – Wendy's is giving consumers 40 different ways to create a combo to meet their individual tastes and preferences. Consumers can substitute a small chili, baked potato, Caesar side salad or regular side salad for French fries.

Kids' Meal Test

In addition to the combo test, Wendy's is also continuing to market test an enhancement to its Kids' Meal program. Families are being given a choice of either reduced fat (2%) white milk or low-fat (1%) chocolate milk in place of soft drinks. Also, a five-ounce serving of Mandarin oranges is being offered as an alternative to French fries. There is no additional charge for making these substitutions.

"We're hearing positive comments from parents and children, and the results are very encouraging," Mueller said.

When the Kids' Meal test involving 420 restaurants began last October, Wendy's offered a melon fruit cup, but recently switched to the Mandarin oranges due to operational considerations. Test markets include Columbus, Ohio; Miami; Philadelphia; and Raleigh, N.C.

The Mandarin oranges and the milk -- served in fun, grab-and-go plastic containers that appeal to kids – also can be purchased a la carte. The suggested retail price for the milk is 89 cents and 99 cents for the fruit cup.

Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers Restaurant was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas and is the third largest quick-service restaurant chain in the world, with nearly 6,500 restaurants in the United States, Canada and international markets.

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