The Wendy’s Company (WEN) to Win Emerging Fast Food Battle?

Part of Fusaro’s argument was based on one of Jack in the Box’s subsidiaries — in this case, Qdoba. For those not familiar, Qdoba would be a near-direct competitor to Chipotle, offering high-quality burritos at a reasonable price. With its exposure to the new fast food market in Qdoba, Fusaro argued, Jack in the Box was a buy.

A crowded trade
Rather than flying under the radar, Wendy’s transformation is less of a business revolution than necessary maintenance.

Most of the old fast food names recognize that their industry is changing, and have taken steps to bring their business into a new era. While Burger King is bolstering its menu, Taco Bell is trying to challenge Chipotle. Meanwhile, Jack in the Box owns a chain that would be considered new fast food.

A successful Wendy’s transformation might propel shares to new heights, but it certainly isn’t a sure thing. By Wendy’s own admission, competition in the fast food industry is increasing at an alarming pace: Fast food consumers today would scoff at the food offered just 10 years ago.

In this new world of higher standards, Wendy’s efforts to remake itself might be critical just to keep its current place in the broader fast food pantheon.

On the bright side, it certainly shows that Wendy’s management isn’t afraid to be aggressive. Unfortunately, so is everyone else.

The article Wendy’s to Win Emerging Fast Food Battle? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Salvatore “Sam” Mattera.

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