Why Wendy's Will Never Be Great Again

[Renew Deal]

<snip>
The autumn debut of Dave's Hot 'N Juicy -- accompanied by a retro marketing campaign that brought back nostalgic "Where's the beef?" memories -- should have helped. The new burger features a more bountiful beef patty, bakery-style buttered bun, and extra cheese. In a twisted tribute, the new sandwich was named after the deceased founder, Dave Thomas, who never saw a need for an updated burger.

Wendy's can't help it. The "gourmet" burger joints are coming. Places with names like Five Napkin Burger and the organic-oriented Elevation Burger are raising expectations on the informal sandwich. Then you have the regional faves that are making territorial strides. Virginia's Five Guys is opening hundreds of new locations a year. West Coast icon In-N-Out Burger is taking baby steps eastward.

Upgrading its burger is nice, but even Dave's Hot 'N Juicy is no match for what some of these places are cranking out. In the meantime, retail watcher Technomic reveals that McDonald's (MCD) continues to gain market share at the expense of Wendy's and the now privately held Burger King.
<snip>

Wendy's can't go back to the past, and it may not be able to compete in the future.

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/12/why-wendys-will-never-be-great-again

I had Wendy's last night. They have changed the fries, burger, frosty, and possibly the chicken nuggets. The chicken nuggets are terrible. Processed meat in a satly crust. They brought on "fresh lemonade", but it's not "fresh." It's concentrated lemonade in a dispenser with lemons. They charge extra for it too.
I have liked Wendy's for a long time, but it seems to be going down hill. It's a little funny that this article was posted when this was on my mind.

[Ruby the Liberal]

1. I am happy to see 5 guys named in this.

Best. Burger. Ever.

That said, (and I can't speak for the others), they don't have a drive through and the wait can be a PITA at times, so isn't really comparable to Wendys, IMO.

[Lint Head]

2. The only items I ever get at Wendy's is a baked potato and I top it with chili.

Everything else has gone down hill.

[Why Syzygy]

3. That's what I get...

and side salads (not the big ones). The burgers stink (literally). I LOVE the new fries.
When I want a burger I go to a local grill that serves steaks also. The only way to eat a burger.

[AnneD]

4. I like the new fries too....

but that is about it.....
When I order there. It is fries, baked potatoes, chili, or salad. I get a great burger at the local BBQ place.

It was the last fast food I at this week-but it has been over 6 months since I last ate fast food. I just don't do it any more. We have some wonderful mom and pop places close by and a good regional chain-Whataburger. I would rather go to mom and pop or the local chain than a national chain.

I went to 5 guys...meh
smash burger........greasy

I finally went to In -N-Out when I went to Az. Totally loved it. Fresh, hot, and fast. They will do well when they come to Texas.

[Lint Head]

5. We have some excellent burger places that are local also.

They compete with each other to make the best food. Makes it better.

[white_wolf]

6. I have to say despite my feelings on their politcs, Texas has good fast food burgers.

When we visited it, we ate at a place called What a Burger, and I have to say for fast food it was really good.

[AnneD]

8. You should try...

the BBQ. There are some places so good, a day trip is worth yopu time and gas.

[hamerfan]

7. 5 Guys has the best fries!

Hands down.
Their burgers? Too greasy for me.