Monday, July 30, 2012

1980s Wendy's Salad Bar & Tabletops


Wendy's Garden Spot or salad bar was big in the 1980s


Wendy's - Three Fun 1980s Vintage Memories 

Growing up, my parents were convinced that Wendy's was the healthier fast food choice. Mom took us there a few times a month, and trust me, we never complained. Her rule was that we not order fries, but opt for the broccoli and cheese baked potato. She also encouraged us to order the salad bar.

You'd think I'd be a health nut today. Too bad something went wrong there... ;-) Anyway, remember these three things about Wendy's fast food restaurants from back in the day? Note, I purposely left out, "Where's The Beef?" since it's an obvious '80s memory.

1. Wendy's Garden Spot 
Known as Wendy's Garden Spot, the salad bar was where it was at if you were watching your figure. They even had commercials highlighting just the salad bar and how you could enjoy under 300 calories and look fabulous in a swim suit. Here are two vintage Wendy's Garden Spot commercials to refresh your memory.





2. Cool vintage or retro ads on Wendy's Tables
Remember the cool Wendy's tabletops? They featured old time ads and it gave you something to read and enjoy while your folks were waiting on line, placing your dinner order. 

Wendy's old time tables - loved the cool,  retro, vintage ads.

3. Breakfast!
In 1985, Wendy's made a huge announcement. They'd serve breakfast. And they did! However this actually lasted only for about 9 months. According to a 1986 LA Times article, the reason Wendy's originally failed at breakfast, was because they offered made-to-order omelets. Something impossible to keep up with as a fast food joint. I only recall French toast and egg platters - similar to McDonald's. Today select Wendy's restaurants are serving breakfast to keep up with the .

Remember this 1985 Wendy's breakfast commercial? 

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14 comments:

  1. mamahasspokenJuly 30, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    I also remember when they had signs that said ' You're our guess, leave the cleaning to us' and you didn't throw away you trash after a meal.

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  2. Baby SisterJuly 30, 2012 at 3:36 PM

    I miss their breadsticks!! They were my favorite.

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  3. trumpJuly 30, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    I must admit Im a burger King guy! Richard

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  4. Babes MamiJuly 30, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    Love those tables! I had no idea they used to have a salad bar!

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  5. Tim LybargerJuly 30, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    Well done! Back in the day, I enjoyed many bowls of Wendy's chili seated at those vintage table tops.

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  6. SusieQTJuly 30, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    I remember a little later they expanded the salad bar to include hot items and it became the "Super Bar"- my mom liked that too, so we went a lot. Good times.

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  7. The Marsh LanternJuly 31, 2012 at 12:07 AM

    I vaguely remember the salad bar from our local Wendy's, back in the early 90s when I was a kid (maybe the late 80s, too). Don't remember breakfast, but the retro ads on the tables do ring a bell. I think that Wendy's building is gone now.

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  8. The Marsh LanternJuly 31, 2012 at 12:08 AM

    I definitely remember the salad bar from the late 80s and very early 90s, when I was a kid. I think there was chocolate pudding. I don't remember breakfast, but the retro ads definitely ring a bell. I think that Wendy's building might be gone now.

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  9. Riot KittyJuly 31, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    Thank you for the retro moment, I totally forgot about those tabletops! And I loved them.

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  10. Riot KittyJuly 31, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    Thank you for the retro moment, I totally forgot about those tabletops! And I loved them.

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  11. The Deranged HousewifeAugust 1, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    Those table tops were the best! I remember studying them carefully as I ate my meal. I wonder if you can find any today? That would be awesome in my kitchen. LOL

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  12. LKSAugust 7, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    totally remember salad bar, and pasta bar! My grandparents took us there almost every Sat. night! Also ate french toast stix for b'fast there! Wow what a little memory broughtback Ally:)

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  13. Pat TillettAugust 8, 2012 at 12:13 AM

    Wendy's was never one of my favorite places, but I sure do remember these things!

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  14. b-chicaDecember 6, 2012 at 4:35 PM

    I loved those table tops! Our local Wendy's also had a bead curtain that I loved over a window in a wall separating the seating area from the standing in line area.

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