Wendy's Building Momentum: Frescata Sales Pass 20 Million Mark

Company Posts First Monthly Sales Gain in 14 Months

CONTACT:
Denny Lynch
(614) 764-3413
denny_lynch@wendys.com

DUBLIN , OHIO ( May 25, 2006 ) – One of the world’s largest hamburger restaurant chains is using premium deli meats and fresh-baked artisan bread to heat up sales and build momentum.

Wendy’s announced today that more than 20 million sandwiches have been served since the April launch of its Frescata™ deli sandwich line.

“We’re excited about the enthusiastic customer reaction to our Frescata deli sandwiches. It is one of the strongest initial responses we’ve had for a new menu offering in recent years,” said Kerrii Anderson, interim chief executive officer and president of the Company.

The launch of Frescata and the cumulative impact of other marketing and operations initiatives enabled Wendy’s to post the first positive same-store sales month since January 2005.

U.S. system same-store sales increased 0.4% for the April 2006 reporting period, with company restaurants up 0.2% and franchise restaurants up 0.5%. Same-store sales declined 5.5% in April 2005, with company restaurants decreasing 5.8% and franchise restaurants declining 5.5%.

Wendy’s posted a five-point positive swing in same-store sales during the April 2006 reporting period compared to the first quarter of 2006. During the first quarter, same-store sales at company restaurants decreased 4.8% and 5.2% at franchise restaurants.

“These results are encouraging, but we fully understand that we’re just getting started. We are focused on building momentum, and we’re optimistic about the other initiatives in place to increase sales and customer traffic throughout the remainder of the year,” Anderson said. “We also continue to execute elements of Wendy’s Combo Plan, designed to reduce costs and return the Company to a position of long-term, sustained growth.”

Prior to 2005, Wendy’s had enjoyed 18 consecutive years of same-store sales growth. Full results for the second quarter will be announced on July 27.

The Frescata line includes Black Forest Ham & Swiss Cheese, Roasted Turkey with Basil Pesto, Roasted Turkey & Swiss Cheese and the Frescata Club. High-quality deli meats, fresh toppings and artisan bread -- baked at the restaurant -- separate the sandwich line from competitive offerings.

The Company is continuing to execute a 25-market sampling campaign across the U.S. to promote Frescata and prompt consumer trial. This effort will culminate in early June.

Frosty Showcased on National TV

In addition, the company is actively promoting Frostys on national television this month for the first time in many years. Wendy’s Fix n’ Mix Frostys, with the customer’s choice of M&M ® s, Butterfinger ® or Oreo ® toppings, are being highlighted. Research shows that the Frosty is one of the top four destination drivers on Wendy’s menu.

During the second quarter, the Company also plans to re-energize its Late Night business with national media support, and promote its Wendy's Kids’ Meal Choices program, featuring two nutritious new Kids’ Meal sandwiches -- Turkey & Cheese and Ham & Cheese -- and a low-fat yogurt and granola side option.

Safe Harbor statement

Certain information in this news release, particularly information regarding future economic performance and finances, and plans, expectations and objectives of management, is forward looking.  Factors set forth in our Safe Harbor under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, in addition to other possible factors not listed, could affect the Company's actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.  Please review the Company’s Safe Harbor statement at http://www.wendys-invest.com/safeharbor.

Wendy’s International, Inc. overview

Wendy's International, Inc. is one of the world's largest restaurant operating and franchising companies with more than 9,900 total restaurants and five quality brands, including Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers ® , Tim Hortons ® , Baja Fresh ® and Pasta Pomodoro ® .

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