Wendy’s is an American international fast food restaurant chain founded by Dave Thomas on November 15, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio. The company moved its headquarters to Dublin, Ohio in 2006. As of December 31, 2018, Wendy’s was the world’s third largest hamburger fast-food chain with 6,711 locations, following Burger King and McDonald’s.
On April 24, 2008, the company announced a merger with Triarc Companies Inc., a publicly traded company and the owner of Arby’s. Despite the new ownership, Wendy’s headquarters remained in Dublin. Previously, Wendy’s had rejected more than two dozen takeover offers from various companies.
Wendy’s menu consists primarily of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, Frosty milkshakes, and french fries. Since phasing out their signature “Big Classic”, the chain has not offered any burger larger than their standard-sized sandwich. Side items include salads, chili, baked potatoes (plain or with cheese and/or sour cream), soft drinks such as Coca-Cola products and lemonade (all restaurants), and desserts such as ice cream novelty cups and cones.
The company does not franchise any of its locations; however, there are several thousand independently owned and operated Wendy’s restaurants in the United States and around the world.
Who owns Wendy’s? The current owner of Wendy’s is Triarc Companies Inc., a publicly traded company that also owns Arby’s.
