Wendy's Opens First Fast-Food Restaurant in Russia

voanews.com ^ | August 24, 2011 | Jessica Golloher

[klpt]

Wendy’s has opened its first restaurant in Russia, the burgers, fries and even the ice cream drink make you feel just like you are in the United States. But Russia’s rendition of the company’s wholesome red-headed icon, Wendy, is raising some eyebrows.

It was not too long ago in Russia that choice was a dirty word, as this Wendy’s commercial from the 1980s suggests. So anything American in Russia was a big deal.

Like when the very first fast-food restaurant - McDonald's - opened in Russia here on Pushkin Square in 1990.

"It was an incredible deal. I was here," said advertising executive John Rose, owner of Rose Creative Strategies in Moscow. "First of all you have got to remember there were no restaurants, really, in Moscow at the time; very few brands. The excitement it caused was incredible. People did not have a lot of money, and the idea that they could get a Western meal for that kind of money was something special."

[dfwgator]

[dfwgator]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-tn_lUnAFc

[Palter]

Wendy, for Russian's.

[Taffini]

I remember this, evening wear, beach wear

[dfwgator]

Где же говядина?

[klpt]

[mlocher]

I wonder how the Russians would react to a Hooters restaurant.

[PGalt]

Good news! Thanks for posting. HOORAY Wendy’s!

They’re usually very good but the last 3X here in White Lake, Michigan...when ordering the #1 combo at the drive thru...the hamburger has not been very hot...in fact not even lukewarm. It might be a while before I go back.

[rightwingintelligentsia]

The best commercial of all time.

[mlocher]

I wonder how the Russians would react to a Hooters restaurant.

[Califreak]

Will they have borscht on the dollar menu?

[mlocher]

I wonder how the Russians would react to a Hooters restaurant.

[null and void]

I remember this, evening wear, beach wear

Very nice.

[dfwgator]

I wonder how the Russians would react to a Hooters restaurant.

"I jump in it."

Funny how now in commercials, it's the Russians that are portrayed as the capitalists.

[twister881]

“Do you want vodka with that?”

[Soothesayer9]

Clinton’s NAFTA in action.

[jmacusa]

How do you get a side order of this!?!

[jmacusa]

“Day wear, swim wear, evening wear! Very nice! “Having no choice is no fun’’

[Charles Martel]

Now, what was the original Wendy's slogan?

Ah yes... "Hot 'n' Juicy".