- 6 December, 2004 -

It's not a law. Combo meals at quick-service restaurants don't always include French fries. At least not at Wendy's. In a break from industry tradition, Wendy's is rolling out a new menu that will "fundamentally change the way people think about combo meals." Now being launched throughout the U.S. and Canada, consumers can order a small chili, baked potato or one of two side salads -- instead of French fries -- in their combo meals at no extra charge. "Everyone wants variety in their combo meals from time to time," said Tom Mueller, president and chief operating officer, Wendy's North America. "We believe this approach will help Wendy's stand apart from the competition. It's another example of how we're actively responding to consumers' requests for more varied and nutritious food options." The rollout follows two successful market tests earlier this year, which generated traffic from both existing and new customers. Advertising support will begin in late December and continue through mid February. Instead of eight 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 Choices This latest effort comes after the North American introduction in July of new Kids' Meal options at Wendy's. Families have the choice of ordering 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. 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 milk containers feature the National Dairy Council's 3-A-Day logo, which encourages people to consume three servings of dairy products each day. Wendy's sells about one million units of milk and 425,000 fruit cups each week. Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers Restaurants was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas and is the third largest quick-service restaurant chain in the world, with more than 6,500 restaurants in the United States, Canada and international markets.

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