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Wendy’s Steps Back into the Chicken Tender Spotlight with New “Tendys”
After a brief hiatus, Wendy’s is officially back in the chicken tender game, launching a new menu item called “Tendys.” While many competitors have long featured their own versions, Wendy’s is making a fresh push into the market with a playful name and a commitment to quality.
The fast-food chain announced on September 30 that these crispy, 100% white-meat chicken tenders are now a permanent fixture on menus nationwide. Positioned as a core item alongside beloved favorites like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and nuggets, Wendy’s is clearly serious about its new offering.
“Chicken innovation is in our DNA at Wendy’s, and we’ve tapped into our years of chicken experience to craft our new Wendy’s Tendys,” stated Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer. “Consumers told us what they wanted in a chicken tender, and we listened—taste-tested, fine-tuned, and delivered.”
This launch follows months after other major chains, including McDonald’s, made their own chicken strip offerings permanent. It’s not Wendy’s first foray into tenders; previous versions graced the menu in 2007 and 2017 before being discontinued in 2019.
A Sauce for Every Palate
What’s a tender without a stellar dipping sauce? Wendy’s agrees, unveiling six brand-new sauces, served in nearly double-sized cups, designed specifically for their “Tendys.” Each order includes two sauces to explore:
- Wendy’s Signature: A creamy, peppery blend with a hint of hot sauce.
- Sweet Chili: Featuring sriracha, garlic, and ginger for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Scorchin’ Hot: A creamy base that delivers a steadily building heat.
- Creamy Ranch: Described as thicker and richer than your average ranch.
- Honey BBQ: A classic smoky-sweet companion.
- Honey Mustard: A delightful mix of sweet and Dijon tang.
How to Get Your Hands on Tendys
Customers can grab their Tendys à la carte or as part of a combo meal, complete with fries and a drink. Three- and four-piece orders come with two sauces, while a smaller two-piece serving with one sauce is available for kids’ meals.
Extra sauces can be purchased for a nominal fee. Adding to the convenience, the Tendys come in new boxes featuring a clever built-in cutout to secure dipping cups, making on-the-go enjoyment a breeze.
A “Tendys” Takeover
Wendy’s is rolling out the red carpet for its Tendys with a significant marketing push. In a unique promotional event planned for October, select Wendy’s locations will temporarily transform, rebranding themselves simply as “Tendys.”
This move highlights the chain’s commitment to its chicken legacy. As Davis noted, “Ever since we launched our first Spicy Chicken Sandwich to our beloved chicken nuggets and now our brand new Tendys, we are always exploring ways to innovate with chicken and deliver for our customers.”