When it comes to fast food, the average eater is faced with a variety of choices. There are many national chain restaurants as well as small local area ones. Wendy’s definitely falls into the former category. Out of all the restaurants in the former category, Wendy’s is definitely the leader.
Wendy’s edge is in food freshness and quality. Instead of taking the heating lamp approach utilized by McDonald’s, Wendy’s actually makes the food right when you order it. Thus, when you order a double cheeseburger with bacon, the burger is likely to be juicy and hot, not dry and bland like McDonald’s often are.
In addition to hamburgers and cheeseburgers, Wendy’s offers some additional options. There’s also chicken sandwiches (both grilled and fried), chili, baked potatoes and for the health conscious, salads. On the sides there are the ubiquitous French fries, plus baked potatoes. For drinks Wendy’s offers Coke, Diet Coke, Barq’s Root Beer and a few other sodas. They also have Iced Tea and ice water.
Wendy’s has often been criticized for not being very healthy. I would be the first to agree with that statement (Although it hasn’t stopped me from eating there). Yet health wise, Wendy’s does have an edge over McDonald’s in that it offers baked potatoes and salads.
Price wise, Wendy’s is fair overall, although we’re a long way from the days when a burger combo would only set you back about $3. Nowadays, getting a single with cheese and a drink will run you about $4.
I can only think of two drawbacks to Wendy’s. First, the long waits at lunchtime. It doesn’t get too bad in the late afternoon. But if you come in between noon and 1:00 PM or so, prepare to wait at least 5 minutes. Also Wendy’s has no milkshakes! In lieu of shakes Wendy’s offers ice cream confections called frosty’s. They’re okay. But if there is a McDonald’s in the area I’ll be more likely to eat at Wendy’s first, then swing by McDonald’s for a shake.
Overall, Wendy’s is definitely the leading out of the big 3 fast food chains. It’s not the best all around joint for burgers (Steak And Shake takes those honors). But if you’re looking for a quick fix of a couple cheeseburgers and a coke, you could do worse.
One final note. In the event that a top Wendy’s exec or Dave Thomas himself happens to read this, please bring back the Mozzarella chicken and the cheddar bacon cheeseburger. Bring them back if you know what’s good for your health.