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

Rhea-AI Summary

Wendy's (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 (19 Fulton St).

Adults 18+ are invited to dress as Wendy for a chance to win free Dave's Single hamburgers for a year. The event runs 3:30–5:30 PM ET with three contest rounds, live music, giveaways, photo ops and other surprises.

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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 winner will be free Dave's Single® hamburgers for a year.* The event will also include live 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.

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 1–4% 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.

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

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What is Wendy's World Redhead Day look-alike contest on May 26, 2026?

Wendy's is hosting a live Wendy look-alike contest in NYC on May 26, 2026. According to Wendy's, fans can dress as the iconic redhead and compete for free Dave's Single hamburgers for a year.

Where will the Wendy's (WEN) redhead look-alike contest take place in New York City?

The contest will be held at Seaport Square, 19 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038. According to Wendy's, check-in begins at 3:30 PM ET, with contest activities from 4:15 to 5:30 PM ET.

What is the grand prize for Wendy's World Redhead Day contest in 2026?

The grand prize is free Dave's Single hamburgers for a year for one winner. According to Wendy's, contestants must compete in three themed rounds, with crowd applause and judges' scores deciding the ultimate winner.

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

Participation is open to adults 18 years or older who attend the event at Seaport Square. According to Wendy's, everyone is welcome to create their best Wendy-inspired look, from natural red hair to wigs and costumes.

How does the Wendy's (WEN) look-alike contest work on World Redhead Day 2026?

The contest has three rounds: a costume walk, a Wendy-style social post reading, and an original commercial performance. According to Wendy's, top finalists are judged by applause and scores to select the grand prize winner.

What other activities are planned at Wendy's World Redhead Day event in NYC?

The event includes live music, giveaways, photo opportunities and special surprises for attendees. According to Wendy's, it is designed as a social, visual and fun celebration of redheads and the brand’s redheaded heritage.