Premium 'All Natural, No Preservative' Marzetti Dressings To Complement Wendy's Fresh Salads

By: Wendy's | 2 Shares 442 Reads

Partnership Includes Sponsorship Of The Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption

April 29, 2008 // Franchising.com // DUBLIN, Ohio -- Just in time for summer, Wendy's(R) will offer salad lovers new dressings that they can feel good about.

Wendy's announced today the phased introduction next month of a new line of premium, Marzetti salad dressings that are all-natural with no preservatives.

In addition, Wendy's said it has reduced the sodium level in each of its salad dressings by about 10 to 15 percent compared to previous options.

The dressings are exclusively formulated to complement Wendy's four Garden Sensations entree salads and two side salads. All of the salads are made fresh throughout the day, with romaine and iceberg lettuce that is chopped and prepared in Wendy's restaurant kitchens - unlike the bagged lettuce used by competitors.

Featuring bold, new graphics, individual dressing packets will be branded with the Marzetti name for the first time. Marzetti, a leader in retail salad dressings, has been a Wendy's supplier for more than 20 years.

To celebrate its partnership with Wendy's, Marzetti will provide annual financial support to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Created in 1992, the Foundation works to help the 140,000 foster care children in North America who are eligible for adoption.

"Our customers now will be able to choose from a premium line of all-natural, no preservative salad dressings that are not only better for you, they taste great," said Wendy's CEO and President Kerrii Anderson. "This is another example of how we're giving our customers more high-quality options and more ways to meet their individual nutritional needs.

"We're proud to partner with an outstanding supplier who supports our signature charity, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption," added Anderson, who is a trustee of the foundation.

"We're delighted to not only provide Wendy's with outstanding salad dressings, but also support the cause that Wendy's Founder Dave Thomas cared about the most in the process," said Marzetti President Bruce Rosa. "Dave's tireless support for foster care adoption may be his greatest legacy."

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption works to streamline the adoption process and make adoption more affordable for families. It also leads signature national service programs like Wendy's Wonderful Kids, which is currently funding full-time adoption recruiters in cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Wendy's all-natural, refrigerated salad dressing line -- one of the most extensive in the quick-service restaurant category -- will now include: Oriental Sesame, Ancho Chipotle Ranch, Italian Vinaigrette, Honey Dijon, Classic Ranch, Supreme Caesar, Light Classic Ranch and Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Some restaurants may also serve Chunky Blue Cheese, Thousand Island, Light Honey Dijon or Fat Free French.

Wendy's International, Inc. overview

Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN) is one of the world's largest and most successful restaurant operating and franchising companies. More information about the Company is available at www.wendys-invest.com.

T. Marzetti Company overview

The T. Marzetti Company, the specialty food division of Lancaster Colony Corporation (Nasdaq: LANC), markets a wide variety of foods for both the retail and foodservice markets. Brands include Marzetti, New York, and Sister Schubert's. More information about the company is available at www.Marzetti.com.

Wendy's, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (and design), Wendy's Wonderful Kids (and design), and Garden Sensations are registered trademarks of Oldemark LLC.

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