The traditional formula for fast food franchises—get ‘em in, get ‘em fed, get ‘em out—is changing. Lately, chains known for being among the quickest of all quick-service restaurants are installing fireplaces and cushy seats for a comfortable lounge vibe that invites customers to linger longer.
A fireplace in a fast-food restaurant? Yes, the concept has raised a few eyebrows since Wendy’s introduced it earlier this year. More than 200 Wendy’s in North America will be outfitted with gas-powered fireplaces this year, along with faux-leather chairs as part of a makeover aimed at creating a cozier, more upscale atmosphere.
“It feels more like a hangout,” one college student said to the Orlando Sentinel, describing a freshly renovated Wendy’s in central Florida. (Yes, they’re even putting fireplaces in Florida — and no, they don’t emit heat.)