Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE:WEN) today announced preliminary average same-store sales for the second quarter of 2008, which ended on Sunday, June 29.
Average same-store sales at U.S. company-operated restaurants increased 0.1% during the quarter, compared to a 0.7% increase during the same quarter a year ago. Average same-store sales at U.S. franchise restaurants increased 1.1% during the quarter, compared to an increase of 0.4% during the same quarter a year ago.
"We are encouraged that sales trends improved compared to the previous two quarters and were positive for the period, especially at franchise restaurants which represent 84% of our system. It is important to drive sales momentum in the second half of the year as we expect continued pressures from escalating commodity costs, a weakened economy and a challenging competitive environment," said Chief Executive Officer and President Kerrii Anderson.
"As we focus on growing sales and profits at every Wendy's(R) restaurant, our value platform will continue to evolve to meet the needs of today's price-sensitive consumers," added Anderson. "In addition, we will leverage Wendy's quality position with premium products, including our latest menu addition featuring a warm chicken fillet on our outstanding entrée salads."
The Company faced a calendar shift with the Easter holiday falling in the first quarter of 2008 (March 21-23), opposed to the second quarter a year ago (April 6-8). This positively impacted same-store sales at company-operated restaurants by an estimated 0.3% during the quarter.
Wendy's recently re-launched its premium salad lineup with national advertising, featuring the transition from cold chicken to a warm chicken fillet available in three varieties - Grilled, Homestyle, or Spicy -- on its entrée salads. The Company also introduced a new line of premium, Marzetti(R) salad dressings that are all-natural with no preservatives. Light or fat free options are available. In addition, Wendy's has reduced the sodium level in each of its salad dressings by about 10 to 15 percent compared to previous options.
In June, the Company introduced its new Frosty(R) Shakes, which are hand-spun in three flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Fudge and Strawberry. The shakes highlight Wendy's commitment to quality, using syrups made from real vanilla beans, five kinds of cocoa and real strawberries.
Also during the quarter, Wendy's launched its new Chicken Go Wraps, featuring a center-cut, chicken breast fillet - available Grilled, Homestyle, or Spicy -- with cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce and Ranch or Honey Mustard sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
In addition, Wendy's introduced for a limited-time its popular Southwest Chicken Caesar salad, featuring seasoned chicken, corn, black beans and grape tomatoes served on freshly-chopped Romaine lettuce - garnished with shredded natural Parmesan cheese, garlic croutons and a zesty Southwest Caesar dressing.
Preliminary Second-Quarter Average Same-Store Sales Summary
2Q 2008 2Q 2007
U.S. Company 0.1% 0.7%
U.S. Franchise 1.1% 0.4%
Monthly Average Same-Store Sales Summary for April, May and June
Apr 2008 Apr 2007 May 2008 May 2007 Jun 2008 Jun 2007
U.S. Company 0.2% 0.6% -0.7% 0.9% 0.7% 0.6%
U.S. Franchise 1.1% 0.5% 0.4% 0.5% 2.0% 0.0%
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