Wendy’s, known for their square burgers, Frostys and more, will open a store in Brookings soon.
Wendy’s will move into the building that was previously occupied by a Hardee’s restaurant on the city’s east side. Hardee’s closed in early November after having a store in Brookings for several decades.
The resturants opening is targeted for some time in February, according to Wendy’s officials.
Jeff Rich, vice president of operations for the Utah-based Mountain West Wendy’s Group, told the Collegian that his organization had been hoping to open a restaurant in Brookings.
“Well, it’s a great town and we’ve looked at building a location there for a long time,” Rich said. “This building came available and we jumped on it.”
The former Hardee’s restaurant building is now being remodeled and trucks from a couple of construction companies were seen on the property earlier this week. Rich told the Brookings Register that the restaurant will have something known as a Global Next Generation Kitchen.
“So, everything will be set up very efficiently and enable us to service the customers the best way we can,” Rich told the Register late last year. “We will also have new, state-of-the-art grills in there that keep our patties fresh and hot and cook pretty much to order at that point.”
When asked by the Collegian about the experience of moving into a previous fast-food establishment, Rich said his organization usually starts from the ground up on new franchises, so this Wendy’s is somewhat unique.
Isaac Scott, a sophomore construction management major from Oak Grove, Minnesota, was happy to hear that Wendy’s is adding another choice to the Brookings fast-food scene. He said he “is excited to get a Baconator from Wendy’s.”
Wendy’s is currently hiring for management positions and will be hiring 30 to 35 crew positions. Rich said that his organization would be happy to hire students from South Dakota State University.
Paige Dieren, a junior elementary education major from Rock Rapids, Iowa, is excited for the new restaurant to open.
“I love their Frostys and I hope to apply there,” Dieren said.
According to the company website, Wendy’s was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas. The restaurant is known for its made-to-order square hamburgers that use fresh, never-frozen beef, its fresh salads and other signature items such as chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty dessert.
There are currently seven Wendy’s restaurants in South Dakota – three in Rapid City, two in Sioux Falls and one each in Aberdeen and Yankton.