Wendy's is winning the fast-food wars by copying Chipotle

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Wendy's is winning the fast-food wars by copying Chipotle
(Image credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Yesterday, the big players in the fast-food industry released their first-quarter earnings for 2014. Wendy's increased same-store sales by 0.7 percent in North America, while McDonald's showed a 1.7 percent decline.

Wendy's reps say the growth is thanks to limited-time foods and a more "fast casual" experience. Offerings like the Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger come across as more deluxe than the standard Big Macs and Whoppers, and the limited-time offer drives consumers in at higher rates. "A brand transformation is well underway at Wendy's," spokesman Bob Bertini told Businessweek.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.