DUBLIN, Ohio, April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wendy's
International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN) today announced preliminary average same-store
sales for the first quarter of 2008, which ended on Sunday, March 30.
Wendy's(R) first-quarter sales results were impacted by a calendar shift in
2008 with the Easter holiday.
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Average same-store sales at U.S. franchise restaurants decreased 0.1%
during the quarter, compared to an increase of 3.7% during the same quarter a
year ago.
Average same-store sales at U.S. company restaurants decreased 1.6% during
the quarter, compared to a 3.8% increase during the same quarter a year ago.
Sales trends improved in February and March compared to January, as sales
rolled over the strongest quarter of the previous year.
"We are focused on taking care of our customers and driving further
improvements in all areas of our business," said Chief Executive Officer and
President Kerrii Anderson. "We continue to concentrate resources to grow
sales with innovative products, new customer service initiatives and
advertising that more effectively drives purchase intent and highlights
Wendy's superior quality."
Wendy's promoted its new Stack Attack(TM) double cheeseburger in January
with a focus on offering value at 99 cents, which compares to the introduction
of the $2.99 Deluxe Value Meals during the same period a year ago. During the
Lenten season, the Company offered its new premium fish sandwich, featuring
hand-cut and panko-breaded North Pacific cod, topped with tarter sauce and
fresh lettuce. Wendy's recently introduced its Spicy Baconator(TM), a fiery
extension of the popular Baconator sandwich, featuring six strips of bacon on
top of two hot, juicy hamburgers with two slices of Pepper Jack cheese,
chipotle ranch sauce and jalapenos.
The Company faced a calendar shift in 2008 with the Easter holiday falling
in the first quarter (March 21-23), opposed to the second quarter a year ago.
This negatively impacted same-store sales at company restaurants by an
estimated 0.3% during the quarter. First-quarter sales also were impacted by
the severe winter weather in March in the Midwest and North.
The extra day in February due to leap year had no impact on first-quarter
sales, as the Company's fiscal calendar operates on a 5-4-4 basis resulting in
an equal number of days in the quarter compared to a year ago.
Wendy's puts quality and innovation front and center
The Company will introduce this week its high-quality Chicken Go Wraps,
featuring center-cut, chicken breast fillets - available Grilled, Spicy or
Homestyle - with cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce and Ranch or Honey Mustard
sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
During April and May, Wendy's will offer for a limited-time its Southwest
Chicken Caesar Salad, featuring seasoned, diced chicken, corn and black beans,
and grape tomatoes on a bed of crisp Romaine lettuce - garnished with shredded
natural Parmesan cheese and garlic croutons and served with a zesty Southwest
Caesar dressing.
The Company recently introduced two quality breakfast products in about
1,000 restaurants that currently offer Wendy's new breakfast menu. The new
Maple Baked Frescuit(TM) combines all the sweet & savory tastes of a homemade
breakfast - like real Maple Syrup, fresh baked biscuits, eggs, cheese and
either grilled sausage or hickory smoked bacon - all in a portable sandwich.
Wendy's new Coffee Cake Muffin is served warm with a cinnamon crumble topping.
The Company launched in February its new advertising campaign - "Waaaay
Better" - as an authentic voice for the Wendy's brand. The new creative ends
with a tagline in the U.S. that reminds consumers "It's Waaaay Better Than
Fast Food!(TM) It's Wendy's".
"The new advertising leverages our core strengths, reflects the honest
quality that has defined our brand over the years and positions our quality
food as the hero," said Anderson. "In addition, the advertising is intended
to drive traffic and entice customers to visit Wendy's more often."
Company plans first-quarter disclosure
The Company plans to release its 2008 first-quarter results at
approximately 7:00 a.m. ET on Friday, April 25, 2008. A conference call and
webcast to discuss the Company's results will follow at 9:00 a.m. ET.
The dial-in number is (877) 572-6014 (U.S. and Canada) or (706) 679-4852
(International). A simultaneous webcast will be available at
www.wendys-invest.com . The call will be archived at that site.
Safe Harbor statement
Certain information in this news release, particularly information
regarding future economic performance and finances, and plans, expectations
and objectives of management, is forward looking. Factors set forth in our
Safe Harbor under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, in
addition to other possible factors not listed, could affect the Company's
actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those
expressed in forward-looking statements. Please review the Company's Safe
Harbor statement at http://www.wendys-invest.com/safeharbor .
Wendy's International, Inc. overview
Wendy's International, Inc. is one of the world's largest and most
successful restaurant operating and franchising companies.
During the past year, Wendy's received brand, food and operations accolades
from:
SOURCE Wendy's International, Inc.
