Wendy's Introduces New Spicy Offerings and Brings Back a Fan Favorite to Beat the Summer Heat

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Fast-food chain Wendy’s has launched a new spicy menu for the summer season, which includes the Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich, Ghost Pepper Fries and the return of the Strawberry Frosty. The Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich uses Wendy’s signature Spicy Chicken and adds ghost pepper-infused American cheese, ghost pepper-seasoned crispy onions, lettuce, tomato and a creamy ghost pepper ranch sauce for four layers of heat. The Ghost Pepper Fries are coated in a spicy fry sauce. The Strawberry Frosty is made with real strawberry puree and will be available for a limited time only.

Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer for The Wendy’s Company, said the Made to Crave menu “creates unique, unforgettable flavor experiences for our fans.” The new menu items are expected to attract customers looking for a spicy summer treat.

The new menu will be available through the Wendy’s mobile app or in person at participating locations. Customers who order directly from Wendy’s app or with their MyWendy’s account online will earn points to redeem for Wendy’s Rewards. Additionally, from May 3 through May 9, customers who have or sign up for DashPass, DoorDash’s membership service, will receive $5 off their next order of $15 or more when they include a Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich in their order. This offer is available exclusively to DashPass members and is valid only at participating Wendy’s locations.

The fast-food chain has been expanding its menu to cater to changing consumer tastes. The Made to Crave menu, which was launched in 2020, features items such as the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger, the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Sandwich, and the Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger. Wendy’s also introduced a plant-based burger, the Spicy Black Bean Burger, in 2021. The chain has been focusing on digital ordering and delivery, partnering with DoorDash to offer delivery services.

John Li, Vice President of Culinary Innovation for The Wendy’s Company, said that the Strawberry Frosty was a fan-favorite last year and that the sweet and real strawberry puree used in the dessert “delivers the refreshing taste of summer in every spoonful.” The limited-time offering is expected to generate excitement among customers who enjoyed it last year.

Wendy’s has been a major player in the fast-food industry since its founding in 1969. The chain has more than 6,800 locations worldwide and is known for its square-shaped burgers and frosty desserts. The company has been investing in technology and delivery services to cater to changing consumer demands. Wendy’s has also been focused on sustainability, announcing in 2021 that it will source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.