Wendy’s to Go Back to Japan via Joint Venture

Some of you undoubtedly already know that Wendy’s got out of the Japanese market in 2009 when it was unable to meet satisfactory terms with partner Zensho Co. The new venture will feature upscale restaurants in a joint venture with the Higa Industries Co.

 

A New Wendy’s Line-Up

 

While the new stores will feature items any American would be used to, such as chili, Frosties and the fast-food restaurant’s easily recognizable square hamburger patties, there will be some items that might seem a little off-the-wall to the casual fast food diner.

 

What kinds of new items are being offered specifically to the Japanese market? How about a Truffle and Porcini Grilled Chicken Sandwich?

 

If that doesn’t float your boat, you could also try the new Avocado Wasabi hamburger. And if neither one of these items sounds appealing to you, you can always opt for the good old-fashioned Wendy’s burger with a square beef patty.

 

How Many New Wendy’s in Japan?

 

For now, only one restaurant is opening. This Wendy’s will open in Tokyo (in the Omotesando area, for those of you who make frequent trips).

 

But Wendy’s doesn’t plan to stop there. The Dublin, Ohio-based chain plans to open 100 new stores in Japan over the next five years. It estimates that, long-term, Japan could support as many as 700 Wendy’s restaurants.

 

More About Wendy’s Japanese Partner Higa Industries

 

Owned by Ernest Higa, Higa Industries Co. owned 180 Domino’s Pizza stores at one time. The company founded the franchise in Japan, then sold them in February 2010. Company founder Ernest Higa will be the chief executive of the Wendy’s-Higa joint venture.

 

Ernest Higa was born in Hawaii and attended Columbia University, of which he is a graduate. He is also a member of Keizai Doyukai, a major Japanese business group. He is credited with the birth of the pizza delivery industry in Japan.

 

 

The 5 Best Restaurant Websites to Inspire You

It’s a peculiarity that some of the best restaurant websites aren’t necessarily for the best restaurants out there. In fact, some of the swankiest restaurants seem to be inversely related to some of the worst restaurant websites on the web. Restaurants are notorious for some of the worst web design on the Internet.

Why is that? Well, many of our chefs and restaurateurs aren’t exactly experts in web design. It seems that they sat down with a web consultant and were talked into some of the flashiest, noisiest, most over-the-top decisions in web design.

Fortunately, some restaurants are setting the bar a little higher. Take note as they lead the way in successful website design.

1. 1.      Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts has some of the best social media experts and web designers on their side. Every step of the way, they get their customers to interact with them and listen to them carefully as they develop their menu.

1. 2.      Wendy’s

Is it really any surprise that Wendy’s has some of the market’s share on superior web design? They are some of the first marketing geniuses after all.

1. 3.      Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday’s overall website is designed well and really shows the restaurant off without too much flash.

1. 4.      Pizza Express

Pizza Express has a simple design that really interacts with the user. It’s easy to navigate and their promotions are easily visible without being too in-your-face.

1. 5.      McDonalds

We saved McDonalds for the grand finale. This is web design at its finest regardless of how you feel about the food. The navigation bar is easy to follow. The front page has a clean, simple appearance along with some really eye-catching graphics.

If you feel that your website has been lacking traffic or the bounce rate is too high, check these guys out to see what they are doing right. It’s not hard to stand out in the crowd as one of the best restaurant websites.

Wendy’s Company Gets a “New” CEO

Wendy’s recently brought on new President and CEO Emil Brolick. Coming into the position on September 21st, he will receive training and advisement for the rest of the year from outgoing CEO Roland Smith.

 

Brolick is not exactly new to Wendy’s. He worked on the company’s national marketing plan in the 80s – a plan that fueled 16 consecutive years of same-store sales growth for the chain. His most recent accomplishment is helping turn Taco Bell stores around and provide more same-store sales growth for that franchise.

 

What’s Going On with Wendy’s?

 

But a new CEO at the helm isn’t the only major change going on at Wendy’s, says Wendy’s Company chairman Nelson Peltz. Brolic recently told the media that the fast-food restaurant will be re-engineering the core menu (among other things) now that it has sold Arby’s. The plan is to concentrate as much as possible on Wendy’s success.

 

A CEO Who Carries a Vision

 

Brolick worked with the Wendy’s team for 12 years, leaving in 2000 to join Yum!Brands. He also did a stint as President of A&W All American Foods and Long John Silver’s.

 

More importantly, however, was his association at Wendy’s in the last days of the 20th century. Brolick worked closely with founder Dave Thomas to provide strong consumer insights that helped strengthen and fortify the Wendy’s brand.

 

“Wendy’s is one of the most attractive growth stories in the quick-service restaurant industry,” said Brolic recently. “I am excited to be rejoining the company at such an important point…We will focus on building significant value for all stake holders.”

 

More than Just Burgers

 

Brolick’s history of success also includes a Taco Bell turnaround. As its President and Chief Concept Officer, Brolick lead the chain through five years of same-store sales and profit growth.

 

But Wendy’s new CEO isn’t just about food and profit. He is also Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

 

Outgoing CEO Smith says he looks forward to supporting Smith as Brolick continues to grow Wendy’s sales. The former Wendy’s CEO is stepping down to spend more time with his family in Georgia, he said.