By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Since Wendy’s opened its doors on New Year’s Eve, the fast-food establishment has been slammed with patrons, showing that the hype leading up to its opening was very real.
On Friday, Partner and Operator Jen Zullo and District Manager Mike Lussier, along with Franchise Operations Coach Steve Ruggiero, gathered in the lobby with city officials to commemorate the grand opening of the establishment. Zullo, who grew up in Claremont, cut the ceremonial ribbon and received a huge round of applause from supporters.
Mayor Dale Girard spoke to the crowd that was on-hand, which included members of city council, the city offices and people who came in for a bite to eat who were interested in what was going on.
“The community has been really excited about Wendy’s coming to town,” Mayor Dale Girard said. “Adding another business to Washington Street was a great thing. The fact is, since they opened on Dec. 31, any time you drive by here the line has been great. But people are saying the lines have been moving, customer service has been wonderful, and again, this is such a nice addition to the city of Claremont.”
Girard said that since it was announced that Wendy’s was coming to Claremont, there has been a buzz of excitement and anticipation throughout the community.
“The Wendy’s Company recognized the potential of this location, began development, and then reached out to the experienced team at Wiley Management,” Girard said. “Together the partners, Jen, Franchisee Larry Wiley, and Building Contractor Jon Hill, brought their 33-plus years of Wendy’s expertise to Claremont.”
Girard noted that they have built a franchise model with proven success, as there are 41 restaurants across New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Florida.
“They’ve seen the bright future that Claremont offers, and we’re thrilled to have them as part of our community,” Girard said.
Girard praised the work of the city’s planning and development office in not only helping bring businesses like this to Claremont but also promoting them and making them feel right at home.
“Hopefully we can continue endeavors like this, and move in a positive direction,” Girard said. “Washington Street is definitely a hub of activity.”
The brand-new building is a Global Next Gen Wendy’s, which is a design that was unveiled less than a year ago, according to the Wendy’s website. Aspects include a passthrough mobile and delivery shelving area; walk-up window with dedicated spots for delivery drivers; self-order kiosks; a pull ahead spot to eliminate long wait times at the pickup window; and a convenience door in the back to help with access to cars in the pull ahead spot.
Girard said that the “brand new Global Next Gen Wendy’s” has brought smiles to the faces of customers right off the bat, and he is excited for the future of the establishment.
Zullo and Lussier were elated with the welcome from the community, and the immediate response by local patrons yearning for a tasty burger.
“We can still feel the demand day in and day out,” Lussier said. “You drive by and you just see what it looks like. It’s been so positive, and everyone seems happy to have us here.”
Zullo was born and raised in Claremont, and she is proud to be able to bring Wendy’s to Washington Street after years of hearing from residents about how much it was desired.
“I remember my first time going to Wendy’s with my mom, and we had to go all the way down to Manchester. Nobody even really knew what Wendy’s was,” she said. “Bringing this here, and coming back to my hometown, is a great feeling.”
Zullo said it is nice to see new buildings, and new businesses, come to Washington Street. Lussier added that it has been beneficial for the job market in the area, as Wendy’s has hired 34 people and are looking to bring on more.
“It feels good to know that we are enhancing the community,” Lussier said. “It hasn’t slowed down yet, so we are looking into hiring more. We didn’t expect to see the open arms that we have seen so far. It is a good feeling to be a part of something like this, with this amount of volume and level of appreciation.”
Zullo said that it was a record week for Wendy’s, and out of 41 stores it is the busiest they have ever been on any week, hour or day.
“We had a restaurant that had a record amount of $75,000 in a week and we surpassed that,” Lussier said.
City Manager Yoshi Manale said that the opening of Wendy’s, along with the announcement of Chipotle being built next door, marks the “continued economic development along Washington Street.
“These new businesses reflect growing confidence in Claremont as a thriving community for investment, commerce and dining,” Manale said. “For Claremont, the arrival of well-known national brands is more than just a convenience for residents; it brings job opportunities, strengthens the local economy, and with the spring repaving of Washington Street, attracts further interest from other businesses considering expansion into the area.”
