For a glimpse of one of the million ways the credit crisis affects plans in the real economy, think about the newly merged Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. On Monday,
Triarc Cos. completed its $2.34 billion acquisition of Wendy's International Inc., the third-largest hamburger fast-food chain behind McDonald's Corp. and Burger King Holdings Inc.
According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, a key to improving sales will be remodeling thousands of Wendy's restaurants, which have become tired-looking compared with competitors such as McDonald's. The credit crunch is likely to make it more difficult for franchisees to borrow money to fund the renovations.
Other plans: Roland Smith, president and CEO of the merged chain, told the WSJ he plans to ramp up their breakfast service as the market segment is fast growing, improve food quality and market to an older crowd instead of the 18-to-24-year-old demographic they have focused on. Wendy's doesn't have a trademark burger such as the Whopper or Big Mac. Instead it emphasizes its fresh -- not frozen -- square burgers. Sales have lagged from the time iconic founder Dave Thomas died six years ago. -
Baz HiralalGo to the story from The WSJ
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