Wendy's Fuels Future Tech Focus with Innovation Labs
The Wendy's Company is putting muscle behind its technology innovation focus with the opening of 90° Labs near the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Located at 1562 North High Street, the labs will provide an open, collaborative environment for Wendy's® employees to explore forward-looking ways to utilize technology for key business initiatives.
The facility will house about 25 Information Technology and Operations professionals, who will focus on opportunities to spur innovation, while working closely with employees from Wendy's Dublin Restaurant Support Center.
The labs' first efforts will center on consumer-facing opportunities involving Wendy's restaurants, such as mobile ordering, pay and other digital experiences. Efforts also will include strengthening support systems like optimizing business intelligence and internal communications technologies.
"Our goal is to create an agile working environment, with a dedicated cross-functional team, that will enable us to take greater advantage of rapidly evolving technology in all areas of our business," said Emil Brolick, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Wendy's Company. "The labs will be an important asset in Wendy's continuing transformation, as we work to drive growth by making our restaurants more inviting and by giving consumers greater access to our brand through technology."
Encompassing more than 8,200 square feet that can accommodate nearly 90 people, the interior of the facility includes a simulated Wendy's restaurant, moveable "stand-up" work stations and a layout that encourages interaction and communication. The engaging atmosphere is progressively casual yet professional, like work environments typically found in Silicon Valley.
"Through proximity, the facility is intended to inherit energy and gain perspective from the neighboring University campus, as we work to develop differentiating, interactive digital experiences for our customers, employees and franchise system," said Drew Domecq, Vice President of Enterprise Solutions, who will lead day-to-day operation of 90° Labs.
Located at 1562 North High Street, the labs will provide an open, collaborative environment for Wendy's® employees to explore forward-looking ways to utilize technology for key business initiatives.
The facility will house about 25 Information Technology and Operations professionals, who will focus on opportunities to spur innovation, while working closely with employees from Wendy's Dublin Restaurant Support Center.
The labs' first efforts will center on consumer-facing opportunities involving Wendy's restaurants, such as mobile ordering, pay and other digital experiences. Efforts also will include strengthening support systems like optimizing business intelligence and internal communications technologies.
"Our goal is to create an agile working environment, with a dedicated cross-functional team, that will enable us to take greater advantage of rapidly evolving technology in all areas of our business," said Emil Brolick, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Wendy's Company. "The labs will be an important asset in Wendy's continuing transformation, as we work to drive growth by making our restaurants more inviting and by giving consumers greater access to our brand through technology."
Encompassing more than 8,200 square feet that can accommodate nearly 90 people, the interior of the facility includes a simulated Wendy's restaurant, moveable "stand-up" work stations and a layout that encourages interaction and communication. The engaging atmosphere is progressively casual yet professional, like work environments typically found in Silicon Valley.
"Through proximity, the facility is intended to inherit energy and gain perspective from the neighboring University campus, as we work to develop differentiating, interactive digital experiences for our customers, employees and franchise system," said Drew Domecq, Vice President of Enterprise Solutions, who will lead day-to-day operation of 90° Labs.