Revamped Wendy’s reopens in Keene – The Keene Sentinel

After 40 years of serving up square hamburgers, French fries and milkshakes among many other sundry culinary delights Wendys in Keene has undergone a major remodel inside and out, and is now open for business.

Its being called image activation by the co-owner of the Wendys at 329 Winchester St., and took nearly 10 days to complete, start to finish.

Weve been here for 40 years, Jennifer Zullo, co-franchise operator, said Wednesday afternoon. We are putting the final touches on the remodel, and we should be open tonight.

In fact, Wendys reopened Wednesday afternoon, and as of 3:30 p.m., hungry customers were pouring in, Zullo said.

The major remodel started June 19, but preparation for the work began a week before that, she said. A new roof was installed, along with an air-conditioning unit, according to Zullo.

She said the new look is an attempt to modernize the interior and exterior of the Keene Wendys.

Between company restaurants and franchises, there are more than 6,500 Wendys in the United States and in 29 other countries and U.S. territories, The Wendys Co. reports. It is the third largest fast-food restaurant selling hamburgers in the nation, behind McDonalds (first) and Burger King (second), according to QSR Magazine. QSR is an acronym for quick-service restaurant, and the category is reserved for fast-food restaurants that specialize in hamburgers.

Several emails and telephone calls to Wendys headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, went unanswered. Wendys began in 1969 when founder Dave Thomas opened his first restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, according to its website.

We have a fresh new approach, and people should come look, see for themselves, Zullo said. Weve added a fireplace, restaurant seating, new menu; the entire place has changed.

Although the remodel actually reduced space from about 2,700 square feet to 2,500 a reconfigured eating area allows for the fireplace, and restaurant-style seating that affords more room at each table, among other changes.

The facade has new colors, new lettering and a minimal approach to the logo, making it appear sleeker and more modern.

The Wendys Co.s website indicates locations are being similarly revamped throughout the country, and touts the transformation of the Wendys brand through contemporary Image Activation restaurants.

Not only do these restaurants deliver a striking street appearance, they are designed to greatly enhance the customer experience, the website says. Prominent features include fireplaces; a variety of inviting seating options, including lounge chairs and booths; Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs; digital menuboards and more.

The site highlights similar overhauls at Wendys restaurants in several states and Canada.

All great brands evolve to remain fresh and relevant to consumers, according to a company video on the topic, which cites Apple, Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart and Starbucks as examples. Were moving forward in multiple dimensions.

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Revamped Wendy's reopens in Keene - The Keene Sentinel