This is where I am mentally:
Given that reality, let’s take a minute and stroll down memory lane for a look at Wendy’s and its long relationship with Columbus.
First of all, here’s how these solariums looked from the outside (a somewhat modern example):
Where was the first Wendy’s?
The original Wendy’s opened in November 1969 at 257 E. Broad St. in downtown Columbus and served customers there until it closed in 2007. A historical marker stands at the site today, and the Dublin flagship keeps a museum’s worth of memorabilia if you want the full nostalgia tour.
Who remembers the original location located in downtown Columbus, across the street from COSI?
A sight for sore eyes:
Those newspaper tables!
Unfortunately the original Wendy’s closed in 2007 (but it lives forever in our hearts.) This photo was taken on the last day of operation:
The message to customers on the final day:
Historical sites get historical markers:
The flagship Wendy’s in Dublin, Ohio is a great place to go today to take in some Wendy’s history:
And when we’re talking about Wendy’s history, there’s a whole lot. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger repping the brand back in the ’70’s.
The eternal question
And the answer – Arnold found the beef!
Remember Wendy’s salad bars?
Does anyone remember these animated ads from the ’70’s?
Did yellow Wendy’s hit a little different?
The yellow Wendy’s design is like stepping into a time machine:
Some are even alive through today! This location is in Fairfax, Virginia:
