Is the Restaurant Industry Starving for Attention?

Eating food is practically the national pastime. From celebrating a special occasion to simply taking a break from cooking at home, people enjoy eating out. America is the most gluttonous country in the world, with more than a third of its citizens being classified as obese, but the restaurant industry appears to be starving for attention.

In response to slimmer consumer wallets, companies across the board are making changes. Wendy’s (NYSE:WEN), the world’s third-largest burger chain, is in the process of a complete brand transformation. The company has given its famous logo of Wendy Thomas a makeover for the first time since 1983, updated the value menu, and plans to have about 20 percent of its U.S. locations remodeled with a more inviting feel by 2015.

President and chief executive officer Emil Brolick, explains in recent press statements, “Wendy’s brand transformation is re-energizing all of our touch points with consumers. We’re transforming our brand – from bold restaurant designs to innovative food that consumers want, to improved customer service. This exciting evolution of our brand reinforces our mission to position Wendy’s as A Cut Above. Our 2012 North America same-store sales growth of 1.6 percent and record-high average annual restaurant sales of $1.48 million are evidence that our growth initiatives are beginning to work.”