While the McDonald’s Big Mac and Burger King Whopper trace their roots to 1967 and 1957, respectively, Wendy’s signature sandwich can’t even legally drink yet.
The Baconator launched back in 2007, only 18 years ago (so the sandwich can vote), as an attempt to broaden Wendy’s appeal to younger customers. It has become a flagship for the company and has led to multiple offshoot products.
Related: Another fast-food burger chain is quietly closing locations
The original, however, is a tribute to excess:
Wendy’s Baconator is a top-tier fast-food hamburger featuring two beef patties, six strips of bacon, two slices of cheese, ketchup, and mayonnaise on a premium bun. Customers can add more patties and more bacon if they choose.
It’s not just a copy of the Big Mac or Whopper; it’s a very different brand built around bacon.
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The calorie-laden burger has also spawned Son of Baconator, Baconator Fries, and Breakfast Baconator, which the chain playfully describes on its website.
“Grilled sausage, American cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, a fresh-cracked free range egg, (deep breath) more cheese, and more bacon, all covered in our signature cheese sauce. Don’t just break your fast. Destroy it,” the company posted.
Now Wendy’s has leaned into value with its latest Baconator offer.
Wendy’s unveils a deal customers will love.
Image source: Wendy’s Canada/TS
Wendy’s adds $3 Son of Baconator deal
Son of Baconator is essentially a smaller version of the modern classic.
“Two patties of fresh, never frozen beef, American cheese, plenty of Applewood smoked bacon, ketchup, and mayo. Like Baconator, like Son,” the chain shared.
Now, Wendy’s has brought back a popular Son of Baconator promotion.
“The $3 Son of Baconator deal is back at Wendy’s for a limited time at participating locations nationwide,” Brand Eating reported.
Unlike many Wendy’s deals, the promotion does not require use of its app.Â
Brand Eating even suggested a customer burger hack for Son of Baconator.
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“Your mileage may vary, but I like to customize the Son of Baconator into a Double Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger (no ketchup and add lettuce and tomato; my local Wendy’s doesn’t charge extra for the veggies). At $3, it’s cheaper than getting a regular Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger,” they shared.
Wendy’s sales have dropped
Wendy’s (WEN) saw a drop in sales in the first quarter, which it had advised would happen.
“Global same restaurant sales declined 2.1% which drove a 1.1% decline in global systems sales. We stayed focused on delivering for our customers and competed well as we held traffic and dollar share in the U.S. with same restaurant sales down 2.8% and system-wide sales down 2.6%,” CEO Kirk Tanner shared during Wendy’s first-quarter earnings call.
The CEO did share that the company has a three-pillar plan to fix its business.
“First, we will deliver on our fresh, famous food. Second, we will provide an exceptional customer experience through personalization, convenience, and hospitality. And third, we will accelerate global net unit growth,” he said.
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Food quality is at the heart of those efforts.
“This starts with using fresh ingredients sourced close to home to provide the highest quality food in QSR at great value. In the U.S., approximately 95% of our ingredients are sourced domestically, including 100% fresh, never frozen beef. We apply the same sourcing principle in many of our largest international markets,” he added.
That also has a side benefit.
“For example, in Canada, we use 100% Canadian beef. This is particularly advantageous in the current environment, as tariffs have minimal impact on our supply chain,” he shared.
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