Wendy’s will once again occupy a storefront on State Street, according to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
The fast food restaurant is opening a new store in the space previously occupied by Full of Bull Famous Roast Beef, located at 534 State Street. Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken have also previously operated in the space.
Verveer said he has “mixed emotions” about the announcement. While he said he appreciates that national restaurant and retail chains attract shoppers who would not otherwise visit State Street, he prefers locally owned businesses line the corridor because they are what make it “so cool and unique.”
Regardless, he said State Street consistently maintains a “healthy mix” of both local and franchised businesses, according to the annual survey the city’s Business Improvement District staff conducts. The most recent study showed that of the current State Street businesses, the “overwhelming majority” are locally owned.
Wendy’s is tentatively set to open early in 2014.
