History of Wendy's
Let's talk a little bit about the history of Wendy's and how it became a much-loved fast food brand all over the world.
Dave Thomas founded Wendy's on November 15, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio. The first restaurant was opened at 257 East Broad Street, with Thomas naming the company after his fourth child, Melinda Lou "Wendy" Thomas. He was inspired by Kewpee Hamburgers, which was a burger joint offering square burgers and thick milkshakes in his hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Thomas specifically wanted to use square patties in his burgers to give the impression of an abundance of meat in the burger, since the corners of the patties stuck out from the bun.
The quick-service chain quickly became known for its square patties, iconic Frosty desserts, and for being the very first fast-food restaurant to offer a drive-through window, which Thomas first called "Pick-up Window" in November 1970.
The company opened its 1000th location in 1978, and today, it has over 6000 locations all over the world. The restaurant is found in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Oceania, South America, and North America, where 95% of all locations are found.
What Wendy's Serves in General
Wendy's is the 3rd-largest fast-food burger restaurant in the world, only coming in next to Burger King and McDonald's. What makes Wendy's so much different from these other big names in fast food is that its menu is expansive. Compared to these mentioned burger companies, Wendy's offers more than just burgers but also desserts, chicken sandwiches, baked potatoes, and salads, and in 2017, they started offering a breakfast menu available in all locations.
The restaurant offers dine-in, take-out, drive-through, and delivery services. Depending on the location, you can download the Wendy's app to place your order, or you can also use third-party delivery apps to enjoy Wendy's menu in the comforts of your own home. Opening hours and availability of the menu also vary depending on the location.
I particularly love their juicy and savory beef patty burgers, natural-cut fries seasoned with sea salt, and their legendary Frosty, which is like drinking soft serve ice cream but it's actually a dessert. My favorite flavor is the classic vanilla, which goes perfectly well with their square patty burgers served in toasted buns. Oh, and of course, dunking my fries in vanilla Frosty for the full Wendy's experience.
If you love burgers, you'll love Wendy's, but if you're a vegetarian or vegan, they do have salad offerings so you can still enjoy Wendy's even if you don't eat meat.
The Bestselling Wendy's Menu Items You Need to Try
-
The Baconator
This is my favorite item on Wendy's menu. Why? Because it's the juiciest and crispiest item at Wendy's that satisfies all my cravings. It's made of Wendy's signature square beef patties, which is a half-pound of fresh beef, American cheese, mayo, ketchup, and the best ingredient of all, 6 pieces of crispy Applewood smoked bacon. And guess what, it's 960 calories! This is not for anyone who's watching their weight. If you have a cheat day though, I recommend you get this burger to have a taste of one of the best burgers you'll ever have.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 960
- Total Fat: 66g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Trans Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
- Sodium: 1540mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 57g
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 40% DV
- Potassium: 15% DV
Allergens:
Because of possible cross-contamination in the process of handling and preparation, there may be allergens such as soy, eggs, milk, wheat, and sesame in the burger. Customers with allergies and sensitivities are advised to exercise judgment when ordering.
-
Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe
For anyone looking for a classic cheeseburger, get the Wendy's Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe. Did I mention Wendy's does not freeze their beef? The result is fresh beef patties that are juicy and flavorful, you'll taste the true essence of beef with each bite. The burger is then topped with American cheese, onions, pickles, tomatoes, crisp Romaine lettuce, mayo, and ketchup. It's the perfect choice for anyone who loves a good cheeseburger at a savory price.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 610mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Calcium: 8% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
- Potassium: 6% DV
Allergens:
Wendy's can't promise their food is free from allergens since cross-contact can happen in the kitchen. Some traces of wheat, sesame, soy, egg, or milk may be found in the food items, so please exercise judgment when ordering, especially if you have known allergies and sensitivities.
-
Dave's Single
Dave's Single is made of a quarter-pound of fresh beef, American cheese, tomato, onion, pickles, crispy lettuce, mayo, and ketchup on a toasted bun. It's called Dave's Single because it was founder Dave Thomas' favorite burger, which is a thick patty, yet remains juicy and packed with authentic beef flavor.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 590
- Total Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 1030mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 29g
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 25% DV
- Potassium: 10% DV
Allergens:
Cross-contact is possible in the handling and preparation process in the restaurant's kitchen, so they can't assure the burger is free from allergens. Sesame, soy, milk, egg, or wheat may be in the burger, and customers are encouraged to exercise diligence when ordering if they have known allergies or sensitivities.
-
Classic Chicken Sandwich
Wendy's is also known for their tender and juicy chicken sandwiches, and nothing can go wrong with their Classic Chicken Sandwich. It is made of a juicy light-breaded crispy chicken breast, topped with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted bun. It is the sandwich of choice for anyone who doesn't want the full burger experience but wants to enjoy the goodness of Wendy's fresh and delicious offerings.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 490
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 1450mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 49g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
- Potassium: 10% DV
Allergens:
Because all the food items are prepared and handled in one kitchen, some traces of wheat, egg, or sesame may be found in their food. Customers are encouraged to practice judgment when making their orders, especially if they are allergic or sensitive to certain kinds of ingredients.
-
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
If you love a little kick in your chicken sandwich, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich is a crowd favorite. It's made of a juicy chicken breast and topped with tomato, lettuce, and mayo. The chicken breast is marinated and breaded in Wendy's fiery blend of peppers and spices, offering a unique flavor inside and out. I personally love this more than the Classic Chicken Sandwich.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 490
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 25% DV
- Potassium: 10% DV
Allergens:
Cross-contamination of known allergens such as wheat, mustard, egg, and sesame may be found in the food since all items are prepared in one kitchen. Customers are encouraged to practice judgment when ordering.
-
Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Another popular item on Wendy's menu is chicken nuggets. You can order them in different numbers of pieces, from 4 to 10 pieces. These are made of chicken fillets that are lightly breaded with a crispy outer. They are then fried to seal in the juicy and tender goodness. They also come with a sauce of your choice.
Nutritional Facts for the 6-Piece Crispy Chicken Nuggets:
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 570mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Calcium: 0% DV
- Iron: 2% DV
- Potassium: 4% DV
Allergens:
Cross-contact may occur in the kitchen since all food items are prepared in one place. Traces of wheat may be found in the chicken nuggets, so customers are encouraged to exercise judgment when ordering.
-
Baked Potato
Wendy's is one of the very few fast-food restaurants to offer baked potatoes. These are simple yet satisfying hot and fully baked potatoes topped with different toppings, such as cheese, chili cheese, sour cream and chives, bacon and cheese, or plain potato.
Nutritional Facts of the Plain Potato:
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 61g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Total Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
- Potassium: 35% DV
Allergens:
Wendy's Baked Potato has no allergens, but cross-contamination can happen since there's only one area for food handling and preparation. Customers need to exercise judgment when ordering, even with this item.
-
Natural-Cut Fries
Wendy's offers their natural-cut fries as a side dish and the perfect accompaniment to their beef burgers. The fries are natural-cut with their skin on and seasoned with sea salt, served hot and crispy. You can order them in 3 different sizes: small, medium, and large. You can also order them with toppings such as cheese and bacon.
Nutritional Facts of Wendy's Large Fries:
- Calories: 470
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 830mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 63g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
- Potassium: 25% DV
Allergens:
Wendy's Natural Cut Fries have no allergens, but please see the full detailed ingredients on the site for more information. Possible cross-contact can still happen, so please exercise judgment when ordering.
-
Frosty
Wendy's is known for this iconic dessert - Frosty in vanilla and chocolate. It is a cool and creamy dessert that's thick enough to eat like soft-serve ice cream but also smooth enough to drink like a thick milkshake. All of the items on Wendy's menu perfectly go well with Frosty, but dipping your Wendy's fries in the desert is definitely a must. A visit to Wendy's is never complete without this legendary dessert/drink.
Nutritional Facts of the Jr. Vanilla Frosty:
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 5g
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 0%
- Potassium: 6% DV
Allergens:
Frosty contains milk, so if you're lactose intolerant, this item may not be suitable for you. Customers are encouraged to exercise diligence when ordering, especially if they have known allergies or sensitivities.
-
Classic Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich
From Wendy's breakfast menu comes the bestselling item, which is their Classic Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich. It comes with fresh-cracked free-range egg and Applewood smoked bacon topped with cheese in a warm muffin. This is a simple yet perfect breakfast choice. Other items on the breakfast menu include the Breakfast Baconator, Sausage, Egg and Cheese Croissant, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Croissant, and the Classic Egg and Cheese Sandwich.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 205mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
- Potassium: 6% DV
Allergens:
This item contains egg, wheat, soy, and milk, including gluten. Wendy's cannot guarantee that their items are free of allergens, so customers are encouraged to exercise judgment when ordering.
These are the top 10 items on Wendy's menu, but they offer more, including salads, veggie options, and combo meals. Whether you want a juicy and satisfying cheeseburger, a healthy fresh salad, or a sweet and refreshing treat, Wendy's has it all for you.