Asking For No Ice At Wendy's Can Seriously Backfire

Wendy's restaurants received an American Customer Satisfaction Index score of 73 in 2022, according to Statista. This high score indicates that the fast-food chain knows how to treat customers right, which is due in no small part to its emphasis on serving fresh foods that consist of quality ingredients for an affordable price. However, that doesn't mean that the chain knocks it out of the park in every single aspect of operation.

For instance, a certain food item of theirs served at the restaurant caused an outbreak of foodborne illness throughout six states in 2022, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While it's not clear what caused the outbreak, Wendy's decided to cease serving potentially contaminated lettuce as a precaution. However, the issue did result in 52 customers becoming hospitalized. Slightly less serious, yet highly frustrating, is a recent customer's complaint about a very common request: no ice. In fact, lots of customers prefer their drinks without ice, whether it's due to tooth sensitivity issues or simply personal preference. However, this customer's tale serves as a warning to anyone who dares make this request at the chain, as it may result in you getting less than what you paid for.

A recent post by a TikTok user shows what happens when Wendy's patrons ask for their beverages with no ice. The short clip shows a lemonade purchased by the user's friend, with the glass looking suspiciously low on the delicious beverage. The caption explains that the friend asked for the drink with no ice and shows a cup that's just a bit over half full.

@kaybrynell

Lmaooooo #fyp

♬ original sound – Kay Brynell

So, what gives? While some commenters accused Wendy's staff of being needlessly petulant about the request, one commenter highlighted the red line on the side of the cup. The fellow TikTok user claimed the red line indicates how much liquid should go into the cup, which appears fuller as ice is added. When customers ask for no ice, it becomes apparent how little of the beverage they're getting. Other commenters disputed the claim based on their own iceless experiences at Wendy's and other fast-food chains. Despite the debate about the restaurant's practices, it seems that's not the only odd guideline the company expects their staff to uphold.

All fast-food establishments have their own inner workings, and Wendy's is no exception. However, some of the rules established at this particular chain seem a bit odd, specifically the rule that forbids workers from wearing gloves when handling food. Forgoing protective gloves might seem unheard of, especially during the post-covid era, but the chain prefers that workers wash their hands regularly at work to prevent the spread of illness. In fact, Wendy's employee handbook highlights the importance of frequent handwashing and encourages employees to wash their hands "if in doubt."

Another curious rule at the restaurant has to do with their process for handling cheese. A letter from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) details Wendy's request to allow processed cheese slices "to be held at ambient temperatures for up to 8 hours." While the NCDENR letter does mention that the practice is "potentially hazardous," it grants the request based on the fact that other establishments were approved for similar practices. However, NCDENR does insist that cheese slices are not kept in areas exceeding 85 degrees and can only be exposed to room temperatures for eight hours or less. As to why Wendy's insists on not refrigerating its cheese, the answer remains a mystery.