Stock Symbol: WEN
Mrs. Sigsworth
Period #
My Corporation in the News
This article is about how the merger between Wendy’s and Arby’s created a need
for a new corporate identity. Triarc Company, the parent company of Arby’s purchased
Wendy’s. This makes them the third largest fast-food company. They are now called
Wendy’s/Arby’s Group. Because two major companies have joined forces, they
employees and stockholders need a new identity that will reflect the “innovative spirit of
both restaurant brands. This new identify is the “W” from Wendy’s and the “A” from
Arby’s.
The employees will be the most impacted by this new identity. Customers will
still see each company separately, but people who work at the corporate level will have
to recognize that a company that used to be a competitor is now part of the team.
This news affects me because I love Wendy’s but have never been a fan of
Arby’s. I was not thrilled when I heard that Arby’s was buying Wendy’s because I
thought it would change the menu and service that I like from Wendy’s. I have seen no
real change in Wendy’s as a customer, and am glad about that.
I think that this will help strengthen both restaurants which will allow them to stay
competitive and grow. By combining resources they avoid wasting their profits. This
could allow them to expand into new markets which would create new jobs.
Sigsworth Sample
My Corporation Project
October 08
The Economic Impacts on My Corporation
Supply / Demand:
DEMAND: As more coffee shops and morning restaurants open (Firehouse
Coffee, Breakfast Café), one can assume that there is more demand for
breakfast on-the-go. This led Wendy’s to add a breakfast menu to their already
varied selections.
SUPPLY: As more people are turning to ethanol (corn based fuel) it is creating a
shortage of corn for feed for cows. Since it is more expensive to feed the cattle
which will become the beef for the hamburger, the burger is becoming more
expensive.
Circular Flow:
Adding breakfast to the menu creates new jobs as a new shift is added to the
day. This creates more employees who can now purchase goods and services
in the market. These new employees will pay income tax to the government.
Business Cycle:
The economy is having a major impact on fast-food restaurants. As the economy
continues to fall, people are becoming more concerned about their spending.
Rather than spending more for the convenience of going out to eat, more people
are packing their lunches or eating at home.
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My Corporation Project
October 08
My Company’s Social Responsibility
As an adopted child, Dave Thomas was passionate in helping other children find
loving homes. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption raises awareness and
educates prospective adoptive parents about what they can expect from adoption.
Wendy’s also works very actively in finding homes for older children in the foster care
system.
To help support these causes, Wendy’s sponsors a golf tournament to raise
funds to help adoptive parents pay the legal fees to finalize adoption.
Wendy’s also recognizes the efforts of high school students who have
participated in a school sponsored sport, maintained good grades (3.0 GPA) and been a
good citizen of their community. This Wendy’s High School Heisman Award is a way for
Wendy’s to give back to the customers.
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My Corporation Project
October 08
Avoid the cold this winter by
using our convenient drivethrough window. Warm up your
insides with our delicious and
nutritious chili.
Beat Old Man Winter!
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My Corporation Project
October 08
Reflection
Although I was not happy that Wendy’s merged with Arby’s, I think that it will help the
company get through this tough economy.
Strengths
Dave Thomas did such a great job building the quality reputation of Wendy’s that
they should be able to continue to draw customers to their restaurants. They seem to
have a strong research and development department that creates products that the
consumers want. The new breakfast menu is an example of them not jumping in, but
taking their time to develop a line of food for the morning that is not a copycat of what is
already available.
Weaknesses
I think that Wendy’s has been all over the place in terms of its advertising
campaigns. “Eat Great Even Late”, “That’s Right”, and “It’s waaaay better than fast
food” haven’t made much of an impact. The red wigs on people is just odd. They need
to develop better advertising if they are going to connect with customers.
Opportunities
As we are more connected in the global market, I think that Wendy’s should
expand into other countries. They should use their research and development
department to study the cultural differences and incorporate these into their overseas
restaurant. They have a lot on their menus that would satisfy nations that typically don’t
eat meat.
Threats
Rising costs are the biggest challenge that Wendy’s has to deal with. It has got
to be tough to maintain their 99 cent menu when the cost of corn for cattle feed, gas for
delivery, and minimum wage and continue to go up. Also, as more consumers worry
about spending, fewer are going to go out to eat possibly cutting jobs and closing
stores.
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My Corporation Project
October 08
Copy
Headline
Graphic
Signature
This ad is using selection (all the items on the bottom) and
price (99c Super Value Menu) as their form of competition.
The target market is people who like a lot of variety in their life
and who would rather spend money on things other than food.
Sigsworth Sample
My Corporation Project
October 08