9 facts about Wendy's that might surprise you
Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas, a former KFC employee. He named the restaurant after his daughter and based the logo on her photo.
Here are 9 surprising facts about Wendy's that you might not know:
1. Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy's, worked for KFC and Colonel Harland Sanders before starting his own fast-food chain.
2. Thomas derived the name "Wendy's" from his daughter Melinda, also known as Wendy.
3. When Wendy's first opened in 1969, its menu consisted of just five items: burgers, Frostys, fries, chili, and soft drinks.
4. Wendy's was the second-largest fast-food burger chain in the US by 2021, behind only McDonald's.
5. The chain is known for its square-shaped burger patties and chocolate shakes called Frostys.
6. Wendy's introduced its pick-up window in 1970, which revolutionized the fast-food industry by allowing customers to place orders through a window.
7. Wendy's was the first fast-food chain with fewer than 1,000 restaurants to have its own national TV commercial in 1977.
8. The chain served over 300 million Frostys every year, making it one of its most popular menu items.
9. Wendy's salads were once a popular feature, with customizable salad bars in restaurants. However, they were phased out in favor of more portable salad options as customers favored drive-thru and carry-out service.
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