Correction: Wendy's Celebrates Its Redhead Roots with NYC Look-alike Contest on World Redhead Day

Rhea-AI Summary

The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq:WEN) is celebrating World Redhead Day on May 26, 2026 with a live Wendy look-alike contest at Seaport Square in New York City.

Fans 18+ can compete for a grand prize of free Dave's Single hamburgers for a year, alongside music, giveaways, and photo ops.

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In the news release, Wendy's Celebrates Its Redhead Roots with NYC Look-alike Contest on World Redhead Day, issued 19-May-2026 by The Wendy's Company over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:

Wendy's Celebrates Its Redhead Roots with NYC Look-alike Contest on World Redhead Day

Fans are invited to dress up as Wendy's iconic logo to compete for grand prize of free Dave's Single hamburgers for a year

DUBLIN, Ohio, May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT: To celebrate World Redhead Day on Tuesday, May 26, Wendy's is honoring its redheaded roots by calling on brand fans to join a look-alike contest in the heart of New York City. Everyone is welcome to join the fun and show up as your best version of Wendy – from natural red hues and pigtails to wigs, freckles and the iconic blue and white collared dress. The coveted grand prize will be free Dave's Single^® hamburgers for a year.* The event will also include music, giveaways, photo ops, and special surprises along the way! It's a can't miss contest that's sure to draw a crowd – and a sea of redheads.

WHERE & WHEN: Join us at Seaport Square in NYC (19 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038) on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Check in for the contest begins at 3:30 PM ET, with the content occurring from 4:15-5:30 PM ET. With a location name that nods to our iconic square burgers, Seaport Square is the perfect setting to crown our Wendy's look-alike winner on World Redhead Day. All participants must be 18 years or older, up to the first 50 participants to officially enter the contest onsite.

HOW: The competition unfolds across three rounds:

• Round 1: Contestants take the stage showcasing their best Wendy's look.
• Round 2: Contestants prepare and read aloud their best social media worthy post channeling the brand's witty, playful tone for National Hamburger Day (Thursday, 5/28).
• Round 3: Top 3-5 finalists perform an original, Wendy's-style commercial with crowd applause and judge scores determining the ultimate winner of the grand prize.

WHY: Redheads make up just 4% of the U.S. population, but they're impossible to miss. They bring a bold, unmistakable energy that turns heads and leaves an impression –- the kind of presence Wendy's has always admired and recognized as part of its own story. Since 1969, Wendy's has leaned into what makes it different, and World Redhead Day is a moment that reflects that same mindset: one that celebrates being unforgettable instead of blending in. The look-alike contest brings that idea to life in a way that is social, visual, and fun – a live celebration of the people, personality, and spirit that make redheads, and Wendy's, impossible to forget.

Be there. Red hair. Seaport Square!

ABOUT WENDY'S:
The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) and Wendy's franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide. Founded in 1969, Wendy's is committed to the promise of Fresh Famous Food, Made Right, For You, delivered to customers through its craveable menu including made-to-order square hamburgers using fresh beef***, and fan favorites like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and nuggets, Baconator®, and the Frosty® dessert. Wendy's supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, established by its founder, which seeks to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America's foster care system. Learn more about Wendy's at www.wendys.com. For details on franchising, visit www.wendys.com/franchising. Connect with Wendy's on X, Instagram and Facebook.

*Dave's Single hamburgers for a year to be awarded as in the form of cash value of one Dave's Single per week, for 52 weeks 

**4% of U.S. population are redheaded, sourced from data collected at World Population Review

***Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S. and Alaska, as well as Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the UK, and other select international markets.

Correction: The event prize and details have been edited in the 'WHAT' section, the U.S. redhead population has been corrected to 4%, and an update was made to the featured photo. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wendys-celebrates-its-redhead-roots-with-nyc-look-alike-contest-on-world-redhead-day-302776392.html

SOURCE The Wendy's Company

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What is Wendy's World Redhead Day look-alike contest in NYC on May 26, 2026 (WEN)?

Wendy's is hosting a live Wendy look-alike contest in New York City on May 26, 2026. According to Wendy's, fans dress as the iconic logo and compete in themed rounds with entertainment, giveaways, and a grand prize.

Where and when is the Wendy's World Redhead Day contest for WEN fans being held?

The contest takes place at Seaport Square, 19 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038 on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. According to Wendy's, check-in starts at 3:30 PM ET and the contest runs from 4:15 to 5:30 PM ET.

Who can participate in Wendy's World Redhead Day look-alike contest in NYC for WEN?

Participation is open to people 18 years or older, limited to the first 50 onsite entrants. According to Wendy's, everyone is welcome to dress as their best version of Wendy using red hair, wigs, freckles, and themed outfits.

What is the grand prize for Wendy's World Redhead Day look-alike contest (WEN)?

The grand prize is free Dave's Single hamburgers for a year. According to Wendy's, contestants compete through three themed rounds, with the winner chosen by judge scores and crowd response to receive the year-long hamburger prize.

How does the three-round format of Wendy's World Redhead Day contest work?

The contest has three rounds: showing a Wendy look, reading a Wendy-style social post, and performing a Wendy's-style commercial. According to Wendy's, judges and crowd applause select the top finalists and ultimate winner.

Does Wendy's World Redhead Day event include activities beyond the look-alike contest?

Yes. According to Wendy's, the event features music, giveaways, photo opportunities, and special surprises alongside the three-round contest. The celebration highlights Wendy's redheaded roots and the bold personality associated with redheads.