PZZA An “Epic” Update to our Same-Store Sales and EPS Estimates

By Mark Kalinowski Published on November 19, 2020 at 12:00 AM

We look for Papa John’s to launch Epic Stuffed Crust Pizzas nationwide in the U.S. shortly, with December 28, 2020 (the first day of Papa John’s fiscal 2021) one possible official launch date. This would not only be ahead of Super Bowl Sunday (scheduled for February 7, 2021), but also ahead of New Year’s Eve. In any case, it looks like a Q1 2021 launch date is likely, and sooner during that quarter rather than later.

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WEN We Look for Wendy’s to Launch the Following in the Near Future…

By Mark Kalinowski Published on July 14, 2020 at 12:00 AM

The Wendy’s Rewards loyalty program isn’t the only initiative Wendy’s (WEN; Neutral, $21.43) has on tap for the near future. We look for Wendy U.S. to launch a Pretzel Pub Burger, a Pretzel Pub Chicken Sandwich, and Pretzel Pub Fries — likely fairly soon, and nationwide. After an approximate five-year hiatus from when it last sold the Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger and the Pretzel Pub Chicken Sandwich, Wendy’s likely has some pent-up demand amongst its guests for these menu items’ return.

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WEN A Look at Potential Details for Wendy’s Upcoming Loyalty Program

By Mark Kalinowski Published on June 30, 2020 at 12:00 AM

Wendy’s (WEN; Neutral, $21.66) is getting closer than ever to launching its loyalty program — apparently to be called “Wendy’s Rewards” — for U.S. guests. On Wendy’s May 6th conference call, CEO Todd Penegor stated that “As we have stressed before, frequency remains an opportunity for us. And it will be more important than ever, as normal routines resume in the months to come. We will be looking to our loyalty program to help us solve for this, and the team has been preparing diligently for a launch in the near future. We believe that we have built a loyalty program that people will love. And we could not be more excited to get this into the hands of our customers.”

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