Brand says plant-based pilot will begin June 28 in Columbus, Ohio; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Pittsburgh, Pa.
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The Wendy’s Co. has readied a new plant-based Spicy Black Bean Burger and will begin testing it in three markets on June 28, company culinary executives said Thursday.
The Dublin, Ohio-based burger brand, which has been developing the new patty for the past year and a half, will test it beginning Monday at Wendy’s units in Columbus, Ohio; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Pittsburgh, Pa., said John Li, Wendy’s vice president of culinary innovation, in a webinar Thursday.
“We haven't rushed to introduce anything,” Li said, and the test product proves that “meatless doesn't have to equal flavorless.”
Eryn Bennett, Wendy’s manager of culinary and product innovation, added that the test patty includes black beans, chickpeas, brown rice, carrots, corn, green bell pepper and red bell pepper. Spices include paprika and chipotle pepper.
“Beyond the patty,” Bennett noted, “we wanted to really focus on having some structure and flavor contrast.” That includes a premium bun and fresh onions, tomato, romaine lettuce and a new ingredient: crispy chipotle jalapeño.
“They're actually jalapeños that are seasoned with chipotle seasoning that perfectly complements the Spicy Black Bean patty itself,” Bennett said, “and then we top it with the chipotle sauce so all those ingredients really come together in addition to a nice, creamy-cool pepper Jack cheese.”
The Spicy Black Bean Burger will be on Wendy’s “Made to Crave” menu, which was launched in 2019.The current platform includes the Jalapeno Popper Chicken Sandwich, Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger and the Big Bacon Classic Cheeseburger.
The Spicy Black Bean Burger will be available, while supplies last, for $5.79 in the three markets. It can be ordered in via Wendy's drive-thru, Wendy’s app with mobile order or through delivery with DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates and Uber Eats.
As incentive, beginning June 28, customers who order the test burger via Wendy’s app can pair it with a free medium fry and get free in-app delivery through July 1.
Wendy’s will also be debuting a new ghost pepper ranch sauce, packaged for use with items such as Spicy Nuggets or fries, on July 12.
Wendy's, founded in 1969, has more than 6,800 restaurants worldwide.
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