Wendy's Testing New Chicken Sandwiches

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Wendy's isn't ready yet to cluck about the new chicken sandwiches the fast-food chain is testing, but customers in Columbus can try them for themselves.

Spokesman Denny Lynch confirmed to Columbus Business First that the chain's newest take on chicken is being tested in the Columbus market, but he declined to share any other details about the products or testing plans. However, a visit to a local Wendy's found:

• Bruschetta Chicken, topped with diced tomatoes, chopped basil and a balsalmic glaze.
• Bistro Cheddar Chicken, with cheddar cheese and a bistro sauce.
• Asiago Club Chicken, with aged Asiago cheese and applewood-smoked bacon.

Customers can get any of Wendy's chicken filets -- homestyle, grilled or spicy -- with the sandwiches, according to the menu boards. All come on butter toasted buns.

The Dublin, Ohio-based restaurant chain has been gradually remaking its menu since its 2008 acquisition and conversion into Atlanta-based Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc., rolling out everything from new ingredients to completely re-imagined products, the report noted.

Wendy's CEO Roland Smith and Chief Marketing Officer Ken Calwell earlier this year said new chicken items would be tested in 2011. The company also has new hamburgers in test, dubbed Dave's Hot 'N Juicy Cheeseburgers, which are expected to go nationwide later this year.

The new burgers and new chicken, which could replace current burger and chicken offerings, are part of the brand's "real food" push, touting quality ingredients and fresh-made products.