What happens when the wittiest fast food chain in the country and one of television’s sassiest characters come together? A not-so-happy meal.
Restaurant chain Wendy’s announced a forthcoming collaboration with Netflix’s Wednesday ahead of the show’s new season release. In Wendy’s disruptive fashion, the brand did not shy away from irreverent packaging and gothic names, with plans to launch a “Meal of Misfortune” on August 11.
The collaboration comes after a series of announced administrative changes at Wendy’s, a company currently valued at $2.1 billion. On July 18, the company’s CEO, Kirk Tanner, stepped down after a little over a year in the position.
Ken Cook, Wendy’s chief financial officer—who had less than a year in that position and no previous restaurant experience—took over as interim CEO while the board continues to look for a permanent replacement.
In addition to the C-suite changes, Wendy’s has seen positive growth in its share price, up by 4.06% the time of publishing. The uptick follows the previous day’s announcement of Pete Suerken as Wendy’s new U.S. president, who will report to the current CEO.
Online chatter has also helped the stock, with increased mentions on the popular retail investment subreddit r/wallstreetbets. The subreddit, which identifies itself as “like 4chan found a Bloomberg Terminal,” plays an outsized role in promoting so-called meme stocks.
Just this week, several stocks have seen surprising gains thanks in part to online retail investors, including a boost for retailer Kohl’s and donut maker Krispy Kreme.
‘Nothing happy about this meal’
The Wednesday Addams collaboration is set to feature various Addams-family-inspired treats.
For instance, the collab’s dips are named “You Can’t Hyde,” “This Will Sting,” “Grave Mistake,” and “Nowhere to Woe,” an ode to the character’s dark humor. The meal will also include an order of nuggets dubbed “Rest in 10-Piece,” “Cursed & Crispy” fries, and a “Raven’s Blood” Frosty.
“This isn’t a typical collaboration, because not just any brand could scheme up a Meal of Misfortune with Wednesday Addams,” Liz Geraghty, Wendy’s International Chief Marketing Officer, said in a statement.
The meal’s packaging also boasts Addams fashion, featuring a black and purple color palette for the containers, as well as a carrier bag veiled with the fictional character’s iconic white collar and black dress combo. The phrase “there is nothing happy about this meal,” accompanies the bag’s design, an irreverent nod to the iconic Happy Meal from competitor McDonald’s.
“For a brand that’s proudly customer-obsessed and unapologetically bold, it was a match made in dark, dry-witted heaven,” Geraghty added.
