• January 19, 2012

Wendy's is offering new Bacon Portabella and Spicy Santa Fe burgers, priced at just under $5, in at least some of its restaurants, reports The Chicago Tribune. 

The introduction of the burgers, which feature ingredients such as mushroom sauce, guacamole and Muenster cheese, is in "very early stages," a rep said.

These latest offerings are another sign of Wendy's' growing push to grab some business away from fast-casual chains like Five Guys and Smashburger, and beef up its ticket size, by offering somewhat higher-priced items with premium ingredients and made-to- order appeal. New CEO Emil Brolick outlined a strategy to put Wendy's at the "very high end" of QSRs through such menu items, plus upgraded restaurant environments, during the chain's Q3 financials call in November.

Wendy's' other more premium introductions of late have included Dave's Hot 'N Juicy burgers and the "W" burger.