Wendy’s North American Operations Get New Oversight

More changes at The Wendy’s Co. Emil Brolick, Wendy’s president and CEO, will take over day-to-day oversight of the chain’s domestic operations following the year-end departure of David Karam, president of Wendy’s North America. The post will not be filled, the company said in a statement.

Karam, whose role expanded last summer following the resignation of the company’s chief marketing officer, will return to Cedar Enterprises, his Columbus, Ohio-based franchise operator of 151 Wendy’s units in six states. He joined Wendy’s as North American president following its September 2008 merger with former Arby’s parent Triarc Cos., which formed the Wendy’s/Arby’s Group. Brolick credited Karam with improving store operations and focusing the brand.

Although in the third quarter ended Oct. 2, Wendy’s recorded a net loss of $3.97 million, revenue was up1.8%. Systemwide domestic same-store sales rose 0.9%, including gains of 1.8% at company-owned units and 0.7% at franchised locations.

The Dublin, Ohio, company operates or franchises more than 6,500 locations in the United States and 25 foreign markets.