Wendy's to Go 'Upscale' With 'Fireplaces' and 'Lounges'

Wendy's announced last fall that it was updating its look with a brand new logo and a store remodel that involved "lounge seating with fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and digital menuboards." Well, behold the new and improved Wendy's in all of its fireplace-filled wonder. And, according to Bloomberg Businessweek, the new Wendy's will be a good place for cuddling now that those fireplaces are surrounded by "lounge-style, faux leather chairs." The new design has already hit 80 of the chain's stores, with plans to add another 200 this year and more than 600 total by the end of 2015.

Wendy's is adding the fireplaces in hopes to keep customers around a little longer. You know, just a nice little evening at Wendy's. Tré Musco of the design firm Tesser explains, "The hearth at home is a gathering place. It's warm, it's comfortable, it says stay and relax, as opposed to, this is fast food, get in and get out as quickly as possible." Stores will be keeping those fireplaces on all day long (even in the summer), but don't worry, they are for ambiance and not for heating — and some are electronic. So get ready for some romantic dinners seated on faux leather chairs next to the electronic fireplace at Wendy's, America.

· Let's Go to Wendy's and Cuddle by the Fireplace [Bloomberg Businessweek]
· All Wendy's Coverage on Eater [-E-]