News

Testing, testing McDonald’s, Wendy’s trying out new items

November 30, 2010

Perhaps inspired by health-conscious trends, McDonald’s is testing out a fresh garden wrap in the Brevard County, Fla. Market.

Wendy’s, meanwhile, is sticking to tradition with its new test item – a D.T. Double Burger, named after the company’s founder Dave Thomas.

McDonald’s Wrap
According to Florida Today, the Fresh Garden Wraps are being tested in nine counties throughout Central Florida. The item includes a grilled or fried chicken breast, shredded cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes and spring mix, and is wrapped in a flour tortilla.

There are three varieties currently being offered in the trial, including:

• Sante Fe Chicken, with a black bean and corn mix and barbecue ranch sauce;
• Roma Chicken, with garlic aioli and tomato pesto;
• California Chicken, topped with creamy ranch sauce.

At the moment, the wrap is being sold for a suggested retail price of between $3.49 and $3.99.

Allison Garrett, a regional spokesperson for McDonald’s, told Florida Today that the testing will run through early 2011, and consumer feedback is being solicited to gauge whether or not a larger rollout will occur.

McDonald’s first introduced wraps to its lineup in 2006. The items have since featured a variety of flavor profiles and have even been super-sized.

Wendy’s DT Double
Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas started his legacy behind the “hot ‘n juicy” hamburger. Now, more than 40 years after his first restaurant opened, the company is testing a new double burger named after the late Thomas.

The D.T. Double burger features two hamburger patties with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, cheese and Wendy’s signature sauce. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the item is on a trial run in Providence, R.I. and Austin, Texas, and is being sold for $2.69.

This is the latest burger experiment for Wendy’s, which is also trying out a Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy Cheeseburger in Las Vegas, Virginia Beach, Va. and Pensacola, Fla.

For the story, Wendy’s would not comment on the details of these new burgers, following company policy during testing phases.