TWINSBURG, Ohio — Where’s the beef? That’s the question many Wendy’s customers are asking. Locations around the country are experiencing shortages, despite Wendy’s saying they’re delivering to restaurants 2-3 times per week.
Northeast Ohio is no exception and the shortages are dependent on location.
3 News checked two locations on the east side: Solon and Oakwood Village. Both had patties. But the employees at Oakwood Village said through the drive-thru intercom they weren't sure how long that would last.
In Summit County, Twinsburg was already experiencing a shortage. Many of the top items -- everything that included beef -- was crossed off the menu. A sign posted by management on the speaker system read:
“Thank you for choosing Wendy’s. We are currently experiencing a beef shortage at this location. We are working with our supplier to get a solution as soon as possible. We are very sorry for any inconveniuence this may cause you. We have many chicken products available for purchase. Once again we apologize and thank you for your patronage.”
Employees at that location weren’t sure when they were going to get a new shipment of beef. In Medina County, a Brunswick location has a sign posted noting the beef shortage as well.
They even offered 2 for $5 on chicken products.
Wendy’s International released the following statement about the short supply of beef at the national level:
"It is widely known that beef suppliers across North America are currently facing production challenges. We continue to supply hamburgers to all of our restaurants, with deliveries two or three times a week, which is consistent with normal delivery schedules. However, some of our menu items may be in short supply from time to time at some restaurants in this current environment. We’re working diligently to minimize the impact to our customers and restaurants, and continue to work with our supplier partners to monitor this closely."
Wendy’s is the first major national fast food chain to be hit hard by widespread shortages.