Wendy's has been updating the look and design of their restaurants since last year, but now a new layout will shrink the footprint and add efficiency to the fast food spot.

Wendy's new store layouts are smaller and orient the business toward its drive-thrus. "Having a smaller footprint is a fairly new trend in quick-service restaurants, considering about 70% of the segment’s traffic comes from the drive-thru, surprisingly so," Alicia Kelso writes for Forbes. This emphasis on drive-thrus is taking place even as some urbanists look to limit drive-thrus, which can be hazards to pedestrians, and discourage walking.
Besides the smaller format, the buildings are also more environmentally friendly. "The Smart design prototype features recycled materials and LED lighting, as well as Energy Star equipment, including high efficiency HVAC systems, which yield a 20% reduction in costs," Kelso reports.
Wendy's argues that their stores’ new designs are more attractive and take in more revenue than restaurants that have yet to update their layout.
FULL STORY: Wendy's Smart Design Restaurants Reflect Trend Toward Smaller Footprints

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie