Wendy´s Restaurant

Wendy's, home of the Biggie - a large size drink or fries for only 99c (if you're in the US). They were the first with the bargain menu, and they've always had a good selection of 99c items, from junior bacon cheeseburgers to plain baked potatoes.

A lot of Wendy's have a salad bar, so offer a healthier choice option as well as the regular cheeseburger type fare found in most fast-food restaurants of this type. They also have the baked potato option, which you can get plain (as mentioned earlier, on their 99c menu) or you can have it topped with cheese, bacon, sour cream for a bit more money. The tv ads in the US have always shown how you can get a decent meals for around $3 or $4 - cheeseburger, baked potato, side salad and drink. Wendy's is good value, and they do have a nutritional chart so that you can see the calories and fat content of all their range. Sometimes they have pocket size charts available, if you ask, so that you can pop one in your bag for future reference.

Wendy's restaurants are always clean, and their assistants are usually younger and more stressed. Fast food has a high turnover of staff, and you can see why. It's always hectic. Even so, most of those who have served me seem to be polite and reasonably well-mannered.

Wendy's does a lot in the US to help find homes for children who are up for adoption, and most restaurants have some kind of poster up about this. It makes me feel happier knowing that, when I eat there, some of what I've paid goes towards helping a worthy cause.

My favourite? They do a wonderful chicken ranch pita - grilled chicken, mixed salad, ranch dressing, all wrapped in a large warm pita bread - it is DELICIOUS! If you have a chance, give it a try. You won't be disappointed!