Wendy’s plans get ‘intense’Wendy’s plans get ‘intense’

During Wendy’s fourth-quarter earnings conference call last month, chief executive Emil Brolick launched into his address to investors with a dramatic curtain raiser emphasizing the scope of the changes taking place at the 43-year-old quick-service chain.

“The next three years are going to be the most intense period of change in the history of the Wendy’s brand,” Brolick said. “It will also be the three most intense years of capital investment in Wendy’s history as we implement many strategic initiatives.”

After dissolving a three-year-long union with Arby’s Restaurant Group last summer, executives of The Wendy’s Co., in a bid to compete more effectively in the bruising quick-service arena, made the decision to ratchet up the chain’s ongoi...