Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 29
Ohio Woman Wins 1 Year of Free Wendy's Burgers in New York Look-Alike Contest
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 29

Ohio Woman Wins 1 Year of Free Wendy's Burgers in New York Look-Alike Contest

4 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 29
  • Jennifer, an Ohio woman identified only by her first name, won a year of free Dave's Single burgers after taking first place in Wendy's mascot look-alike contest in New York City.
  • Nearly 20 contestants competed over three rounds at Seaport Square, modeling Wendy-inspired outfits, reading mock social posts in the chain's voice and performing original commercials.
  • Wendy Thomas — daughter of founder Dave Thomas and the real-life inspiration for the mascot — served as one of the judges at the event.
  • Wendy's staged the contest between World Redhead Day on May 26 and National Burger Day on May 28, tying the promotion to redheads, who the company noted make up about 4% of the U.S. population.
  • The Ohio-based chain said the event was meant to showcase its "unforgettable" brand identity; Technomic ranked Wendy's the fifth-highest-grossing U.S. restaurant chain in 2025 based on 2024 sales.
Founder Dave Thomas regretted naming Wendy's after his daughter. Does this contest honor or exploit her legacy?
Amid declining sales, can a mascot contest truly help Wendy's 'Project Fresh' strategy succeed against its rivals?
As Wendy's invests in AI drive-thrus, are old-school look-alike contests still effective marketing?