Wendy's Receives National Turkey Federation's Fifth Annual T.O.M. Award

Popular fast food chain freshens its lineup with three turkey FRESCATA sandwiches

Printable Version Email to a Friend

Tucson, Ariz., February 8, 2007 -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Sherrie Rosenblatt, National Turkey Federation
202-898-0100 ext. 227, srosenblatt@turkeyfed.org
or Lisa Brackett, Devine & Pearson
617-472-2700 ext. 135 l_brackett@devine-pearson.com

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) today presented its Fifth Annual “Turkey On the Menu” (T.O.M.) Award to Wendy’s International at its Annual Convention. The T.O.M. Award tributes Wendy’s for menu innovation and market success with turkey products, unparalleled by other quick-service nominees. With the rollout of three distinct turkey FRESCATA sandwiches, Wendy’s demonstrates turkey’s versatility, convenience and consumer appeal.

“The entire turkey industry benefits from this exposure and all of the positive feedback that Wendy’s has received from going the extra mile to develop truly unique and high quality turkey items,” said John O’Carroll, president, Cargill Meat Solutions, the company that nominated Wendy’s for the award.

“Wendy’s is a model example of using the versatility of turkey that continually results in new menu items that meet consumer trends,” said Sherrie Rosenblatt, NTF's vice president of marketing and communication. “Their new turkey offerings bring variety, flavor and healthier options to their customers.”

Accepting the award on behalf of Wendy’s International were Linda Bernard, manager of innovation, and Shawn Althauser, manger of quality assurance. “The versatility of turkey allowed us greater creativity in the development of our FRESCATA line,” remarked Bernard. “The three varied presentations of the sandwiches have been very successful and we are honored to receive this award for the role turkey has on our menu.”

Attentiveness to customer trends and dedication to product development led to Wendy’s introduction of the Roasted Turkey with Basil Pesto, Roasted Turkey with Swiss, and Turkey Club sandwiches as part of the premium FRESCATA line. The launch of these items has resulted in increased sales, highlighting the chain’s ability to profitably leverage turkey on its menu. The FRESCATA sandwiches feature high quality meats with distinctive sauces, and are served on artisan bread that is baked fresh daily.

Since its first restaurant in 1969, Wendy’s International has focused on providing the selection of fresh, quality foods that customers want. The company is now one of the most successful fast food franchisers and operators in the world, with more than 6,300 restaurants in North America and more than 300 international locations.

Winning the quick-service chain award category, Wendy’s International joins Bob Evans Restaurants, recipient in the family-style category of the T.O.M Award, for receiving recognition at the NTF’s 2007 Annual Convention. Past recipients of the award include Subway, Schlotzsky’s, the Machine Shed and Mimi’s Café.

NTF member companies nominate restaurant chains that fit the criteria of the award. Entry applications address questions regarding a description of the menu applications, the items' consumer appeal, how the chain promotes the menu item through marketing and turkey's food cost percentage. A panel of foodservice professionals rates the entries on consumer appeal, versatility, taste, value and how the turkey application benefits the chain operation.

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate for all segments of the turkey industry, providing services and conducting activities that increase demand for its members' products by protecting and enhancing their ability to profitably provide wholesome, high-quality, nutritious products. Its award-winning web site, www.eatturkey.com, offers consumers, food professionals and the media an extensive library of information including healthy eating and restaurant trends, turkey cuts and purchasing tips, turkey nutrition and cooking techniques, and turkey facts and trivia. Additionally, the site presents a searchable database of more than 1,500 recipes, offers a recipe E-mail program and provides special seasonal and holiday ideas. The National Turkey Federation is headquartered in Washington, D.C.