A play on "group hug," Wendy's is spreading some love through a new social media campaign, sharing stories of those who make our communities a little brighter and are most deserving of a "GroupNug." To celebrate these stories, Wendy's is extending its GroupNug to the entire U.S., giving away a free four-piece nugget, crispy or spicy, to every single car that goes through the drive-thru, even if there is no purchase on Friday, April 24.
"Wendy's restaurant teams across the nation have been living out one of Wendy's most important values – Do the Right Thing – by helping their communities wherever they can during this unprecedented time," said Carl Loredo, Wendy's U.S. Chief Marketing Officer in a press release. "These actions shine a light on so many individuals both in Wendy's and across the nation doing good for others. We want to show our appreciation with our GroupNug offer for the entire country."
The company has also announced multiple ways they are making sure customers and employees are staying safe and healthy during the pandemic. These ways include enforcing strict cleaning procedures, personal hygiene standards, handwashing requirements, and sanitation protocols while also recommending no-contact and limited-contact options. The company has also followed the guidance of multiple safety organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Also, the company has enrolled all of its employees, whether they have a medical plan or not, in the Employee Assistance Program, which gives them free, confidential 24/7 counseling. Furthermore, Wendy's has recommended to all employees that they should not come to work if they are sick and offers company employees emergency paid sick leave to support those impacted by the pandemic.
"I am humbled by the stories of how our teams and franchisees continue to support our communities by living our core values," said Todd Penegor, President and CEO of Wendy's, on the company's website. "From delivering breakfast and hot meals to very deserving first responders, healthcare workers and grocery store employees, to volunteering personal time to local causes and charitable organizations, I am very proud of how we collectively strive to do the right thing and give something back. Our teams at the Wendy's Restaurant Support Center and in our Field Offices are working around the clock to support our restaurants. We are all in this together and will weather this storm as one Wendy's family."