After backlash, Wendy’s clarifies initiative stating it would only save customers money not raise prices

DUBLIN, Ohio – Wendy’s made a clarification Wednesday after media reports suggested that prices would be raised during peak times.

The fast-food chain made the following statement.

“Earlier this month we issued our fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings results and included an update on investments we are making in our digital business. One initiative is digital menuboards, which are being added to U.S. Company-operated restaurants. We said these menuboards would give us more flexibility to change the display of featured items. This was misconstrued in some media reports as an intent to raise prices when demand is highest at our restaurants. We have no plans to do that and would not raise prices when our customers are visiting us most. Any features we may test in the future would be designed to benefit our customers and restaurant crew members. Digital menuboards could allow us to change the menu offerings at different times of day and offer discounts and value offers to our customers more easily, particularly in the slower times of day. Wendy’s has always been about providing high-quality food at a great value, and customers can continue to expect that from our brand.”

The media reports caused a backlash on social media with some customers stating they would no longer visit Wendy’s locations.