Fresh, Bold, Protein-Packed: Wendy's Introduces Two Savory Menu Innovations

Rhea-AI Summary

Wendy's (NYSE: WEN) is launching two limited-time menu items: the Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger and the Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap, available at participating U.S. locations starting February 16, 2026.

The Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger features a quarter-pound fresh beef patty, American cheese, three strips of Applewood-smoked bacon and cheddar cheese sauce. The Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap includes two all-white meat tenders, lettuce, cheddar and ranch in a flour tortilla. Items are limited-time offers; availability and rewards ordering vary by location.

Key Figures

Launch date: February 16 Beef patty weight: Quarter pound Bacon strips: Three strips +5 more

8 metrics

Launch date February 16 Start of limited-time Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger and Ranch Wrap

Beef patty weight Quarter pound Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger approximate weight before cooking

Bacon strips Three strips Applewood-smoked bacon on Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger

Chicken tenders Two tenders All-white meat tenders in Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap

Current price $7.82 Pre-news trading level

52-week range $7.60 – $16.20 Price vs 52-week low and high before this news

Market cap $1,486,553,690 Equity value prior to announcement

Volume vs avg 1.38x Today’s volume vs 20-day average before news

Market Reality Check

Price: $7.88 Vol: Volume 10,020,519 is 1.38...

normal vol

$7.88 Last Close

Volume Volume 10,020,519 is 1.38x the 20-day average of 7,240,499, showing elevated interest ahead of the menu launch. normal

Technical Shares at 7.82 trade below the 200-day MA (9.81) and sit close to the 52-week low (7.60), about 51.73% under the 16.20 high.

Peers on Argus

Sector moves are mixed: peers range from -4.71% (CBRL) and -2.51% (FWRG) to gain...

Sector moves are mixed: peers range from -4.71% (CBRL) and -2.51% (FWRG) to gains of 1.98% (HDL) and 0.29% (ARCO). With WEN up 0.13%, trading appears more company-specific than part of a unified restaurant-sector move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 05 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 05	Burger promo offer	Positive	-0.3%	Announced one-day <b>$1 Dave’s Single</b> app promotion for Feb 15.
Jan 29	Franchise growth push	Positive	-2.8%	Recruiting franchisees to expand Tijuana/Baja footprint beyond current Mexican base.
Jan 15	Earnings date notice	Neutral	-2.6%	Set Feb 13 earnings release and outlook call with webcast details.
Jan 14	Value menu refresh	Positive	+1.7%	Launched national Biggie Deals menu with <b>$4</b>, <b>$6</b> and <b>$8</b> bundles.
Nov 12	Brand holiday launch	Positive	-1.4%	Created annual Frosty Day and introduced Snickerdoodle Cookie Frosty Fusion.

Pattern Detected

Recent promotional and brand-building news has often coincided with modest or even negative next-day moves, suggesting limited immediate price impact from marketing and product announcements.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Wendy’s has focused on value, promotions, and brand engagement: Biggie Deals menus at $4/$6/$8, a national Frosty Day, a $1 Dave’s Single promotion, and franchise recruitment to expand beyond 40 restaurants in Mexico toward a stated potential of over 400. Earnings timing updates and today’s new protein-focused items fit this ongoing strategy of menu and marketing innovation during a broader turnaround effort.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement adds two protein-focused, limited-time items to Wendy’s menu, reinforcing an ongoi...

Analysis

This announcement adds two protein-focused, limited-time items to Wendy’s menu, reinforcing an ongoing strategy of product and value innovation alongside earlier Biggie Deals and Frosty promotions. In the backdrop, the company has been expanding internationally and progressing its CEO search while preparing to report full-year 2025 results. Investors may watch how these launches affect traffic, mix, and brand momentum when financial updates are released.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

The Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger and Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap hit menus nationwide on February 16 for a limited time

DUBLIN, Ohio, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 

WHAT:
Fresh innovation meets premium quality with Wendy's^® new Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger and Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap, expanding Wendy's protein lineup with bold, high-quality ingredients.

The juicy details:

• The Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger starts with a quarter pound* of fresh, never frozen beef**, topped with American cheese, three strips of Applewood-smoked bacon and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese sauce all stacked on a premium toasted bun.
• The Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap features two crispy, juicy all-white meat chicken tenders wrapped in a soft flour tortilla with crisp lettuce, cheddar cheese and ranch. (Think, our fan-favorite Wendy's Tendys in wrap form!)

These menu items will be available for a limited time only***, but Wendy's keeps innovation fresh all year-round.

WHERE & WHEN:
The Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger and Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap are available for a limited time only starting February 16 at participating U.S. Wendy's locations nationwide***.

WHY:
Wendy's never stops innovating on fan favorites. The new Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger and Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap take that commitment to the next level, delivering high-quality ingredients and bold flavor in every bite.

HOW:
Fans can head to their nearest Wendy's to order in-restaurant, or via the mobile app to rack up Wendy's Rewards™!****

*Approximate weight before cooking.
**Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S. and Alaska, as well as Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the UK, and other select international markets.
***Limited time only at participating U.S. Wendy's.
****Wendy's account registration required.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fresh-bold-protein-packed-wendys-introduces-two-savory-menu-innovations-302684680.html

SOURCE The Wendy's Company

FAQ

When will Wendy's (WEN) release the Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger and Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap?

They launch on February 16, 2026 as limited-time menu items. According to Wendy's, both items will be available starting February 16 at participating U.S. locations, with availability varying by restaurant and location.

What are the ingredients in the Wendy's (WEN) Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger?

The Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger includes a quarter-pound fresh beef patty, American cheese and three strips of bacon. According to Wendy's, it also features ooey-gooey cheddar cheese sauce and a premium toasted bun.

What is in the Wendy's (WEN) Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap and how is it served?

The wrap contains two all-white meat chicken tenders, cheddar, lettuce and ranch in a flour tortilla. According to Wendy's, it’s designed as a handheld version of their fan-favorite tenders for a limited time.

Can customers order the new Wendy's (WEN) items through the app and earn rewards?

Yes, customers can order in-restaurant or via the Wendy's mobile app and participate in Wendy's Rewards. According to Wendy's, app orders are supported and rewards enrollment requires a Wendy's account registration.

Are the Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger and Chicken Tenders Ranch Wrap permanent menu items at Wendy's (WEN)?

No, both items are offered for a limited time only starting February 16, 2026. According to Wendy's, availability is limited and items will be removed from menus after the promotional period at participating locations.