Where’s the beef? You’ll find it in Wendy’s updated app.
Most fast-food restaurant apps offer either a rewards program or deals. The Wendy’s app now has both.
Oh, a few chains, such as Baker’s Drive-Thru, Farmer Boys, and El Pollo Loco, occasionally offer deals to augment a rewards program, but Wendy’s is more, ahem, beefed-up, with a full set of deals and rewards.
Until recently, Wendy’s app had only offered deals for its users, including discounts, buy-one-get-one offers and free items with purchase.
Recently, the chain launched its Rewards Store, an opportunity for diners to earn free food.
Here’s how it works: Use the app to make a purchase, and you’ll automatically earn 10 points for every dollar you spend.
If you order in-store, simply scan a code on your app at checkout to earn those points.
Accumulated points can be redeemed for free food.
Currently in the app, 150 points will get you four chicken nuggets, a small Frosty, or a small cup of hot coffee. The rewards top out at 700 points, which gets you a full-size salad or a Baconator burger.
The chain is currently doubling the points on the first rewards purchase.
The app is available for both Android and iOS.
Get the app
Speaking of apps, it seems that since the coronavirus pandemic began, select restaurant chains have amped up the deals on their apps, hoping to attract customers.
In particular, Jack in the Box and Burger King, and to a certain extent, Farmer Boys, seem to have increased the number and frequency of deals available via their apps.
In addition to helping to save you money, apps can help keep you safe.
Many apps allow for mobile ordering and payment, which helps minimize your potential exposure to coronavirus by eliminating the need to pay in person.
Daily smile
Yet another restaurant that has stepped up its app offerings lately is Del Taco, which recently began its Del’s Daily Smile Summer promotion.
The promotion not only includes new deals daily in the app, but also non-food related giveaways and deals.
Recent offers have included a free two-month premium subscription to the RockMyRun workout music service and a free Samsung smartphone with the purchase of two months service.
The app is available for Android and iOS, and the promotion ends Sept. 6.
Quick Burger opens
Quick Burger opened recently at 43985 Mahlon Vail Road in Temecula.
The restaurant is unique in that it has a triple drive-thru featuring touchscreen ordering only. The drive-thrus are also cashless.
The restaurant also strives for healthier alternatives, including air-fried french and sweet potato fries, reduced sodium, whole wheat buns, vegan mayo and no added butter or oils.
Vegetarian options include Beyond Meat and black bean patties, and a guacamole sandwich.
Current hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, but are expected to expand later this summer.
Another Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs continues its expansion in the Inland Empire.
The chain’s latest restaurant to land in the region is at 10080 Magnolia Ave., Riverside.
The sandwich shop — open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily — features a mural depicting a scene from the birth of the area’s citrus industry, firefighters responding to a smudge pot fire.
Cool Claremont event
Previously, California Botanic Garden in Claremont has hosted a Brew Wild event, featuring beer infused with native California botanicals.
Now, the garden is turning to a more family-friendly comestible: Ice cream.
In partnership with Bert & Rocky’s Cream Company (also in Claremont), the Freeze Wild event will feature tastings of three ice creams flavored with native plants: Coyote Mint Chip, double chocolate chip ice with added coyote mint; Coastal Sage Yum, with vanilla and Cleveland sage; and Cactus Cream, made with prickly pear.
Participants will safely pick up their ice cream Wednesday and Thursday, July 29 and 30 at the garden, 500 N. College Ave.
During a Zoom meeting from 6-7 p.m. July 30, garden staff will share the ingredients, explain the ecological importance of each species, and tell you how to include the plants in your home garden.
The meeting will also be available for later viewing.
Cost is $55 for members, $65 for non-members, and a VIP package, which includes an ice cream scoop and ice cream cones, is $85.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.calbg.org.
