New feature provides brands seamless way to reach millions of drivers with high intent to make stops and purchases
BOSTON — (May 20, 2019) — Today, Wendy’s is first to partner with GasBuddy, the only smartphone app connecting drivers to their Perfect Pit Stop, to launch the fuel app’s latest feature, Badges, enabling brands to get their message in front of drivers deciding where to stop.
The new GasBuddy Badges feature utilizes GPS-based, first-party data to connect GasBuddies to Wendy’s locations attached to or within immediate proximity of gas stations. Gas station convenience stores continue to put emphasis on foodservices, providing more options that compete with QSRs and fast casual restaurants. Foodservices now makes up nearly 23% of sales at c-stores nationwide.
“Consumers have more choice than ever as to where to get a meal. GasBuddy provides us a unique way to reach millions of drivers during the planning portion of their trips to keep Wendy’s top-of-mind in a seamless and relevant way” said Jimmy Bennett, Senior Director of Media and Social at Wendy’s.
More people are using GasBuddy before hitting the road with current gas prices on the rise. The Badges feature comes in time for Memorial Day Weekend, the start of the busy summer travel season and higher gas prices. According to GasBuddy’s 2019 Summer Travel survey, this year Americans are planning to make more frequent and longer road trips.
“Gas stations are turning into destinations for meals and blurring the lines into being actual restaurants,” said Jordan Grossman, EVP of advertising sales at GasBuddy. “The new Badges feature provides our partners with an effective way to position their brand to drivers with high intent to stop and purchase. Our research found we’re all craving convenience. When filling up the car we want to know if we can get a snack, a full meal or even a nearby hotel to stay the night. We’re excited to work with Wendy’s as our launch partner, and look forward to rolling this out to more brand advertisers.”
To learn more about GasBuddy’s Badges feature and other ways to work with GasBuddy, visit https://www.gasbuddy.com/go/ads. 
About GasBuddy
GasBuddy is a company that connects drivers with their Perfect Pit Stop. As the leading source for crowdsourced, real-time fuel prices at more than 150,000 gas station convenience stores in the U.S., Canada and Australia, millions of drivers use the GasBuddy app and website every day to find gas station convenience stores based on fuel prices, location and ratings/reviews. GasBuddy’s first-of-its-kind fuel savings program, Pay with GasBuddy, has saved Americans more than $6 million at the pumps since its launch in 2017. The company’s business solutions suite, GasBuddy Business Pages, provides Fuel Marketers and Retailers their best opportunity to maintain their station information, manage their brand, and promote to their target consumer audience. For more information, visit https://www.gasbuddy.com.
About Wendy’s
Wendy's® was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, "Quality is our Recipe®," which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Wendy's is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef**, freshly-prepared salads with hand-chopped lettuce, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty® dessert. The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ: WEN) is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Company's support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and its signature Wendy's Wonderful Kids® program, which seeks to find every child in the North American foster care system a loving, forever home. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 6,700 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising. Visit www.wendys.com and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram using @wendys, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendys.
Media Contact
Allison Mac
GasBuddy
[email protected]