Major revamp eyed for Wendy's Restaurant in Five Points

[thelakelander]

But do diners really want to advertise that they're eating Wendy's?? I always inhale my spicy nuggets and frosty and then throw away the evidence so my wife doesn't find out. Outdoor seating here may be on par with Daily's in San Marco.

Depends on the person. I doubt it would appeal to a diner who eats at farm-to-table restaurants that is used to using UBER. However, there's another segment of the local population that Wendy's caters too that probably would.

I agree that 2 or 3 poorly placed tables won't do anything to improve the outdoor environment.  Last weekend I was in one of the remodeled stores and the "fireplace" and "lounge" areas didn't do anything for the ambiance of the restaurant.  A well laid out traditional restaurant would function much better than some cheaply done gimmicks.

Ha, I just realized that I've been to one as well. We made a pit stop in some small town about an hour south of ATL. It was a Wendy's attached to a gas station but it was sleek, contemporary, and there was even a round table of retired aged couples having a get together. I jokingly remarked that Wendy's must be a "nice night out" in this town. Didn't realize Jax would soon be in on that joke.

Don't worry. We'd just be on par with Chicago!

Wendy's East Village - Before (2014) & After (2016)

[TimmyB]

Those are two great pics, Lake.  It would be hard for anyone to look at those two and say truthfully that they didn't improve their image (and that of the neighborhood) with that rebuild.  The nice part about Jax is, they will be able to use that outdoor space year round; Chicago, not so much.

[edjax]

But do diners really want to advertise that they're eating Wendy's?? I always inhale my spicy nuggets and frosty and then throw away the evidence so my wife doesn't find out. Outdoor seating here may be on par with Daily's in San Marco.

I agree that 2 or 3 poorly placed tables won't do anything to improve the outdoor environment.  Last weekend I was in one of the remodeled stores and the "fireplace" and "lounge" areas didn't do anything for the ambiance of the restaurant.  A well laid out traditional restaurant would function much better than some cheaply done gimmicks.

Ha, I just realized that I've been to one as well. We made a pit stop in some small town about an hour south of ATL. It was a Wendy's attached to a gas station but it was sleek, contemporary, and there was even a round table of retired aged couples having a get together. I jokingly remarked that Wendy's must be a "nice night out" in this town. Didn't realize Jax would soon be in on that joke.

Not sure if you were serious or not, but have a feeling you probably were in your last paragraph.  I think your attitude here may be a reason why small town America voted the huge fuck you in this election.  I happen to live here but grew up in small town rural America. When I go 'home' now there is a McDonalds in my hometown and the locals flock to it.  Because they live paycheck to paycheck and it is one of only three options within a half hour for their night out.  And most quite frankly can't afford the gas money to drive the 20 miles to other options for their night out. I guess coming from rural American and now living in a city I see the other side. 

[ProjectMaximus]

Depends on the person. I doubt it would appeal to a diner who eats at farm-to-table restaurants that is used to using UBER. However, there's another segment of the local population that Wendy's caters too that probably would.

I don't feel very strongly that it will be this way, and I hope I'm wrong in any case, but I just fear this outdoor seating area may be very underutilized. And if it's the primary improvement from a pedestrian perspective then it might be a disappointment. Do a lot of people eat inside now? I've seen the drive-through utilized, but usually not the parking. Obviously the location is far better than Daily's in San Marco but it would be a shame if it ends up empty like that. At least looking nice (but empty) would indeed be an improvement.

Those are two great pics, Lake.  It would be hard for anyone to look at those two and say truthfully that they didn't improve their image (and that of the neighborhood) with that rebuild.  The nice part about Jax is, they will be able to use that outdoor space year round; Chicago, not so much.

No doubt, I don't mean to suggest it's not better than the building there now.

Ha, I just realized that I've been to one as well. We made a pit stop in some small town about an hour south of ATL. It was a Wendy's attached to a gas station but it was sleek, contemporary, and there was even a round table of retired aged couples having a get together. I jokingly remarked that Wendy's must be a "nice night out" in this town. Didn't realize Jax would soon be in on that joke.

Not sure if you were serious or not, but have a feeling you probably were in your last paragraph.  I think your attitude here may be a reason why small town America voted the huge fuck you in this election.  I happen to live here but grew up in small town rural America. When I go 'home' now there is a McDonalds in my hometown and the locals flock to it.  Because they live paycheck to paycheck and it is one of only three options within a half hour for their night out.  And most quite frankly can't afford the gas money to drive the 20 miles to other options for their night out. I guess coming from rural American and now living in a city I see the other side. 

You make a good point and I apologize for the way I conveyed my experience. I absolutely have empathy for the economic plight of Americans everywhere and if you knew me personally I believe you'd read my quote without thinking I was mocking the people. My comment was about the lack of amenities available in a small town (like you said...three options), not the financial straits of those who went to eat there. And in comparing it to Jax, my intention was to joke that we are on par with the amenities available in a small town. Obviously not true but that was the intention/joke.

[thelakelander]

I've only been to that particular Wendy's once with a co-worker who wanted to eat there a few years back. We ate inside and I recall it being busy during lunch. However, I haven't paid much attention to the parking demand. I suspect they know their market, which is why they're willing to make the investment as opposed to closing the location like they've done with older drive thrus in other areas. People who eat off the dollar menu like the Florida sun too, so if the weather is good, you'll have people sitting outside as well as indoors.


A drive thru McDonald's with a similar site plan in Louisville's Highland's neighborhood


The Highland's is a neighborhood I'd consider comparable to Riverside. People eat outside at their McDonalds. I suspect a clean Wendy's will have no problem in this department.

[JaxAvondale]

People eat outside at the Jimmy Johns on Park Street. I agree that there will be no shortage of people who will eat outside.

[BridgeTroll]

People eat outside at the Jimmy Johns on Park Street. I agree that there will be no storage of people who will eat outside.

Damn autocorrect...

[JaxAvondale]

*In my Trump voice*

Stop it, Siri! Stop it!

[Know Growth]

 
Like so many venues,the "Food" will likely suck...............

[thelakelander]

The food will be what it is now.

[TimmyB]

Correct, and it will taste immensely better, if you are not in a stinky, old building!   

[thelakelander]

Wendy's revises design for new 5 Points restaurant

Full article: http://residentnews.net/2017/02/02/wendys-revises-design-new-5-points-restaurant/

[Ivegotasecret]

The building is unremarkable except for its signage which sticks out like a sore thumb. Garish - what is the point or need for that in Five Points?

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

The building is unremarkable except for its signage which sticks out like a sore thumb. Garish - what is the point or need for that in Five Points?

The sign or the restaurant?

I'm pretty sure the restaurant is there to serve up some cheeseburgers and Frosties on the cheap.  I hear their chili isn't bad, but I've never been brave enough. 

The sign is there to let passer-bys know that there is, in fact, a place on the corner that serves up this deliciousness. 

[thelakelander]

The chili is okay for a meal on the cheap. I spent a pretty penny over the years at Wendy's during my college days.