Chain’s sales hurt by finger-in-chili hoax

Thursday, July 7, 2005 | 9:17 a.m.

DUBLIN, Ohio -- Wendy's International Inc. said today sales at its burger restaurants opened at least a year fell 4 percent in the second quarter, hurt mainly by a woman's false claim that she found part of a finger in her chili.

The company said half of the decline for the quarter ended June 30 was because of the woman's claim that she found the finger while eating at a Wendy's in northern California in late March. Authorities have charged the woman with making up the story to extort money from Wendy's.

Same-store sales at company-owned stores opened at least a year fell 4.6 percent in the second quarter, while same-store sales at franchised restaurants slipped 3.9 percent. Sales took the worst hit in April, with the decrease narrowing in May and June.

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