McDonald's vs Wendy's
type: Article
description: McDonald's operates 40,575 locations globally with higher revenue ($23.2B in 2024) and dominates market share, while Wendy's focuses on fresh beef and made-to-order customization with 7,000 locations primarily in North America, appealing to customers who prioritize quality over convenience.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-07T08:35:50.704Z
date created: 2026-07-07T08:35:50.704Z
date modified: 2026-07-07T08:35:50.729Z
content reference time: 2026-07-07T08:35:50.729Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: McDonald's
about: Wendy's
abstract: McDonald's operates 40,575 locations globally with higher revenue ($23.2B in 2024) and dominates market share, while Wendy's focuses on fresh beef and made-to-order customization with 7,000 locations primarily in North America, appealing to customers who prioritize quality over convenience.
text: Global Restaurant Count. Annual Revenue (2024). Beef Source. Customization Model. Average Order Wait Time. Market Cap (2024). Geographic Focus
conclusion text: Choose McDonald's if you value speed, global consistency, convenience, and lower prices—it's optimized for efficiency and accessibility across 150+ countries. Choose Wendy's if you prioritize fresh ingredients, customizable meals, and a more premium burger experience, particularly in North America.
additional property: Global Restaurant Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40,000+ | Wendy's: 7,000+
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: 2026 Revenue Growth
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: +3% | Wendy's: -5%
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Beef Freshness
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Frozen patties standard | Wendy's: Never-frozen fresh beef
additional property: Drive-Thru Technology Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: AI-powered order systems 2026 | Wendy's: Traditional automated systems
additional property: Average Burger Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $5-7 | Wendy's: $7-9
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Menu Item Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Standard options | Wendy's: Extensive customization
additional property: New Restaurant Openings 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Expansion planned | Wendy's: Closing hundreds
additional property: Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Standard offerings | Wendy's: Premium improved recipes 2026
additional property: Number of Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40,000+ | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Average Chicken Sandwich Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $6.99 | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Operating Days Per Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 365 days | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Menu Item Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 80+ items | Wendy's: 40+ items
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: 2026 New Location Growth Target
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 8,000 | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Value Meal Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: £3.89 | Wendy's: £7.99
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Chicken Preparation Method
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Frozen patties + fresh beef option | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Drive-Thru AI Technology
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Voice-activated with AI accuracy scaling | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Beef Freshness Standard
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Frozen beef (100% beef) | Wendy's: Fresh, never-frozen beef
additional property: Average Customer Transaction Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 3.8 minutes | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: New Menu Items Per Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 2-3 items | Wendy's: 7 items
  value reference: Wendy's
additional property: Drive-Thru Technology (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: AI voice-activated with accuracy scaling | Wendy's: Digital menu boards, traditional operation
additional property: New Location Expansion (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 8,000 new locations planned | Wendy's: Incremental expansion, undisclosed target
additional property: Restaurant Design Innovation
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Optimized drive-thru layout | Wendy's: Future Fresh design with blue aesthetic and digital integration
additional property: Price Advantage for Value Seekers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 105% cheaper than Wendy's | Wendy's: Base comparison point
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Global Store Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 3,000+ | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Quality Ranking (YouGov 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: #1 fries only | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Annual Operating Days
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 340 days | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Price Premium vs. Competitor
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: baseline | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: 2025 Sales Tier
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Top 3 ($107B trifecta) | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: International Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: U.S. only | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Total Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40,575 | Wendy's: 7,193
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Annual Corporate Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $23.2B | Wendy's: $2.1 billion
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Franchisee Average Unit Volume
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $2,900 | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Initial Franchise Investment
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $1.3 - $2.2 million | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Big Mac / Whopper Calories
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 563 cal (Big Mac) | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Global Brand Awareness
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 97% | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Loyalty Program Members
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40M+ (McDonald's Rewards) | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: ~200 menu variations | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: US Restaurant Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 13,000+ | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Global Market Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 100+ | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Breakfast Revenue Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 35% | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Mobile Loyalty Program Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 50M+ | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Menu Item Categories
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: All-day breakfast/lunch/dinner | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Brand Unaided Awareness (US)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 69% | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Average Customer Service Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 3-5 | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Average Burger Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $8.50-10.50 | Wendy's: $7.49
  value reference: Wendy's
additional property: Menu Customization Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 5/10 | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Countries with Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 100+ countries | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Digital Ordering Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 80% | Wendy's: N/A
additional property: Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40,275 locations | Wendy's: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/mcdonald-s
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/mcdonald-s
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/wendy-s
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/wendy-s
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/mcdonalds-vs-wendys)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/mcdonalds-vs-wendys)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonalds-vs-wendys
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonald-s-vs-wendy-s
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonald-s-vs-wendy-s)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chick-fil-a-vs-mcdonalds
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/burger-king-vs-wendys
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/wendys-vs-five-guys
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonalds-vs-burger-king
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/dunkin-vs-mcdonalds
teaches: How to choose between McDonald's and Wendy's
genre: Food_and_drink

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

McDonald's
type: Thing
alternate name: Mcdonald S
language: en-US
description: Global fast-food chain specializing in burgers, fries, and quick service with 40,575 locations worldwide.
image: ImageObject
  caption: McDonald's
subject of: McDonald's vs Wendy's
image: ImageObject
  caption: McDonald's

Wendy's
type: Thing
alternate name: Wendy S
language: en-US
description: North American fast-casual burger chain known for fresh, never-frozen beef and customizable menu items with 7,000 locations.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Wendy's
subject of: McDonald's vs Wendy's
image: ImageObject
  caption: Wendy's

McDonald's vs Wendy's — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for McDonald's vs Wendy's. Contains 118 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Global Restaurant Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale & Reach
variable measured: 2026 Revenue Growth
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Beef Freshness
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ingredient Quality
variable measured: Drive-Thru Technology Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Innovation
variable measured: Average Burger Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Value & Pricing
variable measured: Menu Item Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Flexibility
variable measured: New Restaurant Openings 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Expansion
variable measured: Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Product Quality
variable measured: Number of Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Average Chicken Sandwich Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Operating Days Per Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Menu Item Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Variety
variable measured: 2026 New Location Growth Target
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Expansion
variable measured: Value Meal Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Chicken Preparation Method
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Quality Standards
variable measured: Drive-Thru AI Technology
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Innovation
variable measured: Beef Freshness Standard
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Product Quality
variable measured: Average Customer Transaction Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: New Menu Items Per Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Menu Innovation
variable measured: Drive-Thru Technology (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technology & Innovation
variable measured: New Location Expansion (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Growth & Expansion
variable measured: Restaurant Design Innovation
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Brand Experience
variable measured: Price Advantage for Value Seekers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing Comparison
variable measured: Global Store Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Quality Ranking (YouGov 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Quality Perception
variable measured: Annual Operating Days
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Price Premium vs. Competitor
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: 2025 Sales Tier
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Business Performance
variable measured: International Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Global Reach
variable measured: Total Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale
variable measured: Annual Corporate Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Franchisee Average Unit Volume
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Franchise Economics
variable measured: Initial Franchise Investment
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Startup Cost
variable measured: Big Mac / Whopper Calories
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Nutrition
variable measured: Global Brand Awareness
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Marketing
variable measured: Loyalty Program Members
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Customer Engagement
variable measured: Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Menu Flexibility
variable measured: US Restaurant Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Global Market Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Global Reach
variable measured: Breakfast Revenue Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue Mix
variable measured: Mobile Loyalty Program Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Customer Engagement
variable measured: Menu Item Categories
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Product Offering
variable measured: Brand Unaided Awareness (US)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Brand Strength
variable measured: Average Customer Service Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Operational Efficiency
variable measured: Average Burger Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Menu Customization Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Flexibility
variable measured: Countries with Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Global Reach
variable measured: Digital Ordering Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technology Integration
variable measured: Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale & Reach
variable measured: Annual System-Wide Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Average Unit Volume
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Profitability
variable measured: Average Transaction Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Service
variable measured: Average Check Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue Per Transaction
variable measured: US Brand Awareness (Unaided)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Brand Strength
variable measured: Gen Z Customer Preference
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Demographic Appeal
variable measured: Total Global Restaurants
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Operations
variable measured: Annual Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Average Unit Volume (AUV)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Countries of Operation
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale
variable measured: Signature Burger Price (USD)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Average Service Time
variable measured: Franchise Startup Cost
variable measured: Annual Global Revenue
variable measured: Total Global Restaurant Count
variable measured: Mobile App Daily Active Users
variable measured: Franchise Startup Investment Range
variable measured: Breakfast Menu Item Count
variable measured: Primary Burger Cooking Method
variable measured: Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonalds-vs-wendys)

McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for McDonald's vs Wendy's.
has defined term: Scale & Reach
has defined term: Financial Performance
has defined term: Ingredient Quality
has defined term: Innovation
has defined term: Value & Pricing
has defined term: Flexibility
has defined term: Expansion
has defined term: Product Quality
has defined term: Availability
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Variety
has defined term: Quality Standards
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Menu Innovation
has defined term: Technology & Innovation
has defined term: Growth & Expansion
has defined term: Brand Experience
has defined term: Pricing Comparison
has defined term: Accessibility
has defined term: Quality Perception
has defined term: Business Performance
has defined term: Global Reach
has defined term: Scale
has defined term: Franchise Economics
has defined term: Startup Cost
has defined term: Nutrition
has defined term: Marketing
has defined term: Customer Engagement
has defined term: Menu Flexibility
has defined term: Revenue Mix
has defined term: Product Offering
has defined term: Brand Strength
has defined term: Operational Efficiency
has defined term: Technology Integration
has defined term: Profitability
has defined term: Service
has defined term: Revenue Per Transaction
has defined term: Demographic Appeal
has defined term: Operations
has defined term: Speed & Efficiency
has defined term: Financial
has defined term: Digital Engagement
has defined term: Financial Investment
has defined term: Product Offerings
has defined term: Customer Satisfaction
has defined term: Menu
has defined term: Location Profitability
has defined term: Service Hours
has defined term: Quality
has defined term: Price
has defined term: Convenience
has defined term: Technology
has defined term: Market Reach
has defined term: Service Quality
has defined term: Product Variety
has defined term: Preparation
has defined term: Menu Items
has defined term: Experience
has defined term: Value
has defined term: Service Speed
has defined term: Product
has defined term: Customer Reviews
has defined term: Ingredients
has defined term: Quality & Satisfaction
has defined term: Digital Innovation
has defined term: Product Diversity

Scale & Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scale-&-reach
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial-performance
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ingredient Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ingredient-quality
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: innovation
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Value & Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: value-&-pricing
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: flexibility
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Expansion
type: DefinedTerm
term code: expansion
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-quality
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Availability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: availability
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Variety
type: DefinedTerm
term code: variety
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality Standards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality-standards
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: efficiency
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Menu Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: menu-innovation
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology & Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology-&-innovation
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Growth & Expansion
type: DefinedTerm
term code: growth-&-expansion
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Brand Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: brand-experience
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing Comparison
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing-comparison
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accessibility
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality Perception
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality-perception
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Business Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: business-performance
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Global Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: global-reach
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scale
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Franchise Economics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: franchise-economics
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Startup Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: startup-cost
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Nutrition
type: DefinedTerm
term code: nutrition
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Marketing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: marketing
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Engagement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-engagement
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Menu Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: menu-flexibility
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue Mix
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue-mix
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Offering
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-offering
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Brand Strength
type: DefinedTerm
term code: brand-strength
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operational Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operational-efficiency
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology-integration
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Profitability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: profitability
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue Per Transaction
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue-per-transaction
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Demographic Appeal
type: DefinedTerm
term code: demographic-appeal
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operations
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Speed & Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: speed-&-efficiency
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Digital Engagement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: digital-engagement
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial Investment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial-investment
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Offerings
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-offerings
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Satisfaction
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-satisfaction
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Menu
type: DefinedTerm
term code: menu
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Location Profitability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: location-profitability
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service Hours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service-hours
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Price
type: DefinedTerm
term code: price
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Convenience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: convenience
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-reach
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service-quality
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Variety
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-variety
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Preparation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: preparation
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Menu Items
type: DefinedTerm
term code: menu-items
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: experience
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: value
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service Speed
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service-speed
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Reviews
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-reviews
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ingredients
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ingredients
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality & Satisfaction
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality-&-satisfaction
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Digital Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: digital-innovation
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Diversity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-diversity
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Wendy's — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-07T08:35:50.729Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: mcdonalds-vs-wendys)
main entity: Which chain has fresher beef?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Wendy's uses fresh, never-frozen beef patties, while McDonald's uses frozen patties. This is Wendy's primary quality differentiator and has been their core marketing message since 2009.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is McDonald's or Wendy's cheaper?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Both chains offer comparable pricing ($5-8 for combo meals in 2024), but McDonald's edges slightly lower on average. However, Wendy's customers often perceive better value due to fresh beef and customization options.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which has faster service?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: McDonald's averages 3-4 minutes per order due to assembly-line efficiency, while Wendy's averages 5-7 minutes because meals are made-to-order. McDonald's prioritizes speed; Wendy's prioritizes customization.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can I find Wendy's internationally?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Wendy's has limited international presence with locations primarily in North America, UK, and a few other countries (approximately 6 regions). McDonald's operates in 150+ countries, making it far more globally accessible.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which has a healthier menu?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Wendy's offers slightly lower-calorie burger options (480 cal average) compared to McDonald's (550 cal average), and fresh beef contains fewer preservatives. However, both chains require careful menu selection for healthy eating.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between McDonald's and Wendy's
type: HowTo
description: McDonald's operates 40,575 locations globally with higher revenue ($23.2B in 2024) and dominates market share, while Wendy's focuses on fresh beef and made-to-order customization with 7,000 locations primarily in North America, appealing to customers who prioritize quality over convenience.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Global Restaurant Count
step: Consider: Annual Revenue (2024)
step: Consider: Beef Source
step: Consider: Customization Model
step: Consider: Average Order Wait Time
step: Consider: Market Cap (2024)
step: Consider: Geographic Focus
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose McDonald's if you value speed, global consistency, convenience, and lower prices—it's optimized for efficiency and accessibility across 150+ countries. Choose Wendy's if you prioritize fresh ingredients, customizable meals, and a more premium burger experience, particularly in North America.

Consider: Global Restaurant Count
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Global Restaurant Count: McDonald's has 40,575 locations, while Wendy's has 7,000 locations.

Consider: Annual Revenue (2024)
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Annual Revenue (2024): McDonald's has $23.2 billion, while Wendy's has $2.1 billion.

Consider: Beef Source
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Beef Source: McDonald's has Frozen beef patties, while Wendy's has Fresh, never frozen beef.

Consider: Customization Model
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Customization Model: McDonald's has Limited customization, assembly-line speed, while Wendy's has Make-to-order with extensive options.

Consider: Average Order Wait Time
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Average Order Wait Time: McDonald's has 3-4 minutes, while Wendy's has 5-7 minutes.

Consider: Market Cap (2024)
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Market Cap (2024): McDonald's has $195 billion, while Wendy's has $8.2 billion.

Consider: Geographic Focus
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Geographic Focus: McDonald's has 150+ countries worldwide, while Wendy's has Primary North American presence.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: McDonald's vs Wendy's
review body: McDonald's operates 40,575 locations globally with higher revenue ($23.2B in 2024) and dominates market share, while Wendy's focuses on fresh beef and made-to-order customization with 7,000 locations primarily in North America, appealing to customers who prioritize quality over convenience.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: McDonald's vs Wendy's

Annual System-Wide Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $23.2 billion | Wendy's: N/A

Average Unit Volume
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $2.8 million | Wendy's: N/A

Average Transaction Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 4-5 | Wendy's: N/A

Average Check Size
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $9.42 | Wendy's: N/A

US Brand Awareness (Unaided)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 93% of US consumers | Wendy's: N/A

Gen Z Customer Preference
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 28% of customer base | Wendy's: N/A

Total Global Restaurants
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,575 | Wendy's: N/A

Annual Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $23.2B (2024) | Wendy's: $2.1B (2024)
value reference: McDonald's

Average Unit Volume (AUV)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $2,700 | Wendy's: N/A

Countries of Operation
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 100+ | Wendy's: N/A

Signature Burger Price (USD)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $5.99 (Big Mac) | Wendy's: N/A

Average Service Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 3-4 minutes | Wendy's: N/A

Franchise Startup Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $1,000-$2,300 | Wendy's: N/A

Annual Global Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $23.2 billion | Wendy's: N/A

Total Global Restaurant Count
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,275 | Wendy's: N/A

Mobile App Daily Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 28M DAU | Wendy's: N/A

Franchise Startup Investment Range
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $1.6M - $2.3M | Wendy's: N/A

Breakfast Menu Item Count
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 12+ items | Wendy's: N/A

Primary Burger Cooking Method
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: Griddle-cooked (consistent) | Wendy's: N/A

Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 97% | Wendy's: N/A

Number of Locations Worldwide
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,576 | Wendy's: N/A

Annual Revenue (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $23.2B | Wendy's: N/A

Average Menu Item Price
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $9.75 | Wendy's: N/A

Average Google Review Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 3.8 | Wendy's: N/A

Breakfast Menu Items
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 15+ | Wendy's: N/A

Locations Open Past Midnight
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 62% | Wendy's: N/A

Mobile App Loyalty Members
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40+ (McDonald's Rewards) | Wendy's: N/A

Global Restaurant Locations
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,575 | Wendy's: 7,000
value reference: McDonald's

Average Unit Volume Per Location
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $2.7M | Wendy's: $3.2M
value reference: Wendy's

Market Capitalization
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $195B | Wendy's: $8.2B
value reference: McDonald's

Brand Recognition (Global)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 68% | Wendy's: 31%
value reference: McDonald's

Breakfast Availability Hours
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 24 hours (all-day breakfast) | Wendy's: 4.5 hours (6AM-10:30AM typical)
value reference: McDonald's

Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 26.3M | Wendy's: 8.2M
value reference: McDonald's

US Location Count
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 13,573 | Wendy's: N/A

Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 74 | Wendy's: N/A

Chicken Sandwich Price
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $6.79 | Wendy's: N/A

Drive-Thru Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 5.8 min | Wendy's: N/A

Menu Items Available
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 150+ items | Wendy's: N/A

Global Countries Served
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 100+ | Wendy's: N/A

Average Employee Wage
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $13.50 | Wendy's: N/A

Average Beverage Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 12 | Wendy's: N/A

Average Transaction Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $10-14 | Wendy's: N/A

Mobile App Order Penetration
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 29% | Wendy's: N/A

Number of Locations
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,275 | Wendy's: N/A

Brand Value Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $196.5 billion | Wendy's: N/A

Signature Burger Calories
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 550 (Big Mac) | Wendy's: N/A

Average Order Fulfillment Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 3-4 minutes | Wendy's: 5-7 minutes
value reference: McDonald's

Beef Quality Grade
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: Frozen beef patties | Wendy's: Fresh, never-frozen beef

Menu Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: Limited (15-20 burger variations) | Wendy's: Extensive (40+ custom combinations)
value reference: Wendy's

International Country Presence
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 150+ countries | Wendy's: 6 countries (NA-focused)
value reference: McDonald's

Average Burger Calorie Content
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 550 cal (Big Mac) | Wendy's: 480 cal (Dave's Single)
value reference: Wendy's

Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: £7.99

Price Difference
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: —

Beef Freshness
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: Never-frozen fresh beef

Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: ~25 seconds per Dave's Single

Core Menu Dessert Innovation (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: Cookie Dough Frosty Fusion (new core item)

Restaurant Design Update
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: Future Fresh design (2026) with digital ordering

Meal Deal Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: 2-3 burger options at £7.99

Average Wait Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: 5-7 minutes

Customization Options per Burger
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: 3-4 toppings

US Locations
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: 5,800+

Customer Satisfaction Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: 76%

Beef Sourcing Quality
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: Conventional sourced

Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: $11.49

Customer Satisfaction Score
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: 79

Drive-Thru Average Transaction Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: 3.8 minutes

Digital/Online Sales Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: 28%

Menu Variety
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: 80+ items

Beef Quality Standard
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Wendy's: Never-frozen fresh beef

SpeakableSpecification
css selector: #short-answer
css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
css selector: #faq
xpath: //*[@id='short-answer']
xpath: //*[@id='verdict']

McDonald's — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Wendy's — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare McDonald's vs Wendy's
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonalds-vs-wendys)
object: McDonald's
object: Wendy's

Average Service Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Speed & Efficiency

Franchise Startup Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial

Annual Global Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Performance

Total Global Restaurant Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scale & Reach

Mobile App Daily Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Digital Engagement

Franchise Startup Investment Range
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Investment

Breakfast Menu Item Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Offerings

Primary Burger Cooking Method
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Quality

Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Brand Strength

Number of Locations Worldwide
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scale & Reach

Annual Revenue (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Performance

Average Menu Item Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Average Google Review Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Satisfaction

Breakfast Menu Items
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Menu

Locations Open Past Midnight
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Availability

Mobile App Loyalty Members
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Engagement

Global Restaurant Locations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scale & Reach

Average Unit Volume Per Location
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Location Profitability

Market Capitalization
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Performance

Brand Recognition (Global)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Brand Strength

Breakfast Availability Hours
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Hours

Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Digital Engagement

US Location Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Availability

Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Quality

Chicken Sandwich Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Price

Drive-Thru Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Convenience

Menu Items Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Variety

Global Countries Served
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Reach

Average Employee Wage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Average Beverage Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Menu

Average Transaction Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Mobile App Order Penetration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technology

Number of Locations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Reach

Brand Value Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Brand Strength

Signature Burger Calories
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Nutrition

Average Order Fulfillment Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Quality

Beef Quality Grade
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ingredient Quality

Menu Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Variety

International Country Presence
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Reach

Average Burger Calorie Content
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Nutrition

Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Price Difference
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Beef Freshness
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Quality

Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Preparation

Core Menu Dessert Innovation (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Menu Items

Restaurant Design Update
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Experience

Meal Deal Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Value

Average Wait Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Speed

Customization Options per Burger
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product

US Locations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Customer Satisfaction Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Reviews

Beef Sourcing Quality
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ingredients

Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Customer Satisfaction Score
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Quality & Satisfaction

Drive-Thru Average Transaction Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operational Efficiency

Digital/Online Sales Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Digital Innovation

Menu Variety
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Diversity

Beef Quality Standard
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ingredient Quality