Wendy’s Settles With Franchise Group Over Toasters

The equipment battle has ended. The gourmet burger battle has begun.

The Wendy’s Co. has settled a lawsuit with franchise group WendPartners over bun-toasting equipment the company required in order to introduce its new cheeseburger, Dave’s Hot ‘n Juicy. WendPartners has agreed to install new toasters in the 329 outlets it operates in 20 states. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Wendy’s filed the lawsuit in July after the franchise group balked at installing the equipment. The Dublin, Ohio, chain said WendPartner’s lack of participation would undermine the success of the new cheeseburger.

The Wendy’s system includes more than 6,500 franchised and company restaurants in the United States and 25 countries and territories.