A Closer Look at Wendy’s "Ultra Modern" Prototype Store

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Wendy's plans to increase restaurant traffic, highlight new menu options and improve interaction between employees and customers at its four restaurant prototypes this year, according to Nation's Restaurant News, which visited the company's "Ultra Modern" prototype location in Columbus, Ohio.

The store, located near the company's Dublin, Ohio, headquarters, features a fast-casual-style ordering queue, a baked goods case that sells select breakfast items all day, digital signage and menu boards, a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, a "Wi-Fi" bar and Wendy's new Redhead Roasters coffee line, according to the report.

Denny Lynch, senior vice president of communications for Wendy's, said increased traffic and longer average stays in the prototype store will help the company learn what works. Wendy's is also testing this Ultra Modern prototype in Ontario, Canada. The other three Wendy’s prototypes being tested are the "Urban" design in Phoenix, Ariz., the "Contemporary" store in Pittsburgh, Pa., and the "Traditional" style in Virginia Beach, Va.