Wendy’s fans now have a new way to enjoy the fast-food chain’s signature burgers—straight off their own backyard grills.
The company just launched its classic quarter-pound beef patties at grocery stores for the first time, marking a rare move into the retail meat aisle. But don’t expect to see them everywhere just yet. According to the company, the patties are only available in two regions for now: Columbus, Ohio, and Denver, Colorado. Shoppers can find them at local Kroger and King Soopers stores.
For $9, customers get a four-pack of fresh (not frozen) beef patties—one of the core claims in Wendy’s advertising for years. That breaks down to $2.25 per patty. Once you add buns, toppings, and condiments, the total might rival the price of a drive-thru order, but for fans of home grilling, that may not be the point.
Wendy’s hasn’t said whether this is a limited-time test or the beginning of a broader rollout, but it’s clear the company is interested in expanding how customers experience its products beyond restaurant locations. A spokesperson confirmed that the new launch is part of an effort to bring “famous food to customers in new and exciting ways.”
Until now, Wendy’s has kept a relatively low profile in grocery stores. Aside from its canned chili, few items have made it beyond restaurant walls. The move follows a broader trend of fast-food brands entering the retail space, with competitors like Chick-fil-A, White Castle, and Sonic already stocking sauces, sliders, and snacks in major chains.
Grilling season could give Wendy’s just the boost it needs to test consumer demand for take-home patties. Whether they’ll expand beyond the two test markets remains to be seen, but if early reactions are any sign, fans are eager to fire up the grill.
And yes, people are already asking the big question: when can we get a Frosty to go with it?