Wendy's CEO on Egg Prices, Bacon, and AI Drive-Thrus for 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up! We're diving headfirst into the fast-food frenzy as Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner reveals his master plan for 2025. This isn't just about burgers and fries anymore—it's about AI, egg prices, and thick-cut bacon. Let's break it down!

AI-POWERED DRIVE-THRUS: THE FUTURE IS HERE!

Wendy's is taking a giant leap into the future with its AI-powered drive-thrus. By the end of 2025, 500 to 600 of Wendy's nearly 6,000 U.S. locations will have AI voice assistants taking orders. This isn't just a gimmick—it's a game-changer! The AI, known as FreshAI, is designed to understand and adapt to customer preferences, slang, and even thick accents. No more "Can you repeat that, please?"—just smooth, efficient ordering.

WHY AI? BECAUSE SPEED AND ACCURACY MATTER!

FreshAI is all about speed and accuracy. In one test site, service times were 22 seconds faster than the Columbus market average. That might not sound like much, but in the fast-food world, every second counts! Plus, the AI can handle over 200 billion ways to order a Dave’s Double®. That's right—200 BILLION! This technology is a no-brainer for Wendy's, and it's going to revolutionize the drive-thru experience.

EGG PRICES ON THE RISE: HOW WILL WENDY'S COPE?

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room—egg prices. With the cost of eggs skyrocketing, Wendy's is facing a significant challenge. But don't worry, folks! Wendy's has a plan. The company is exploring menu adjustments and operational changes to mitigate the impact of rising ingredient prices. This could mean more plant-based options, partnerships with suppliers, and operational efficiencies. Wendy's isn't just sitting back and taking it—it's fighting back!

THICK-CUT BACON: THE SECRET WEAPON

And let's not forget about the star of the show—thick-cut bacon! Wendy's is doubling down on its bacon offerings, knowing that customers can't resist the sizzle. By focusing on high-quality ingredients and innovative menu items, Wendy's is positioning itself to thrive in a challenging market.

CUSTOMER REACTIONS: LOVE IT OR HATE IT?

So, what do customers think about all this? Well, it's a mixed bag. Some are thrilled with the idea of AI drive-thrus, saying it's way better than dealing with real people. Others are skeptical, claiming the AI gets orders wrong too often. But here's the thing—Wendy's is listening. The company is working closely with its partners in operations and at the restaurant to evolve FreshAI and make it even better.

THE BOTTOM LINE: WENDY'S IS ON FIRE!

In conclusion, Wendy's is on a roll! With AI-powered drive-thrus, a focus on quality ingredients, and a plan to tackle rising egg prices, the company is poised for success in 2025. So, buckle up, folks—Wendy's is about to take the fast-food world by storm!