Wendy's upgrading its fries to make them hot and crispy, adding Big Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger

Your future orders of Wendy's fries should soon be crispier.

The fast-food chain announced Thursday that it was upgrading its french fries to retain their heat and stay crispier. Officials said the pandemic spurred the need for a makeover as more people order at the drive-thru or for delivery. 

“These fries are a cut above the rest – literally,” said Emily Kessler, Wendy’s senior specialist of culinary and innovation, noting the fries are not square by design. “One side is built for heat retention and the other for crispiness.”

The Hot & Crispy Fries are starting to roll out to some restaurants and will be available nationwide by mid-September, John Li, Wendy's vice president of culinary innovation, said on a call with reporters.

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“It’s a new day for fries at Wendy’s,” Li said. "We were able to deliver a crispier fry, that is preferred nearly 2-to-1 over our biggest competitor McDonald’s.”

Wendy's also announced the launch of the new Big Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger. The new burger will be released next week and is topped with Applewood smoked bacon, a custom bacon sauce, crispy onions, American cheese and a tangy cheddar cheese spread on a toasted cheddar bun.

It’s the third addition to Wendy’s “Made to Crave” lineup this year. It joins the Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger and Jalapeno Popper Chicken Sandwich.

“The sandwich is inspired by elevated Southern food, things like pimento cheese that we’re seeing everywhere – from fine dining to food trucks,” said Jay Drumm, senior specialist, culinary and product development.

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