Wendy’s Brings Famous Double-Smoked Bacon to Select Kroger Stores
Wendy's continues to bring select foods to grocery stores.
Wendy’s is no stranger to innovation, and now, the fast-food giant is making moves from the drive-thru to the deli aisle. In a surprising yet exciting twist for fans, Wendy’s has quietly begun rolling out its famous double-smoked bacon to select Kroger grocery stores, with the first confirmed sighting happening in Kentucky. While the brand has yet to confirm a nationwide launch, social media buzz is already heating up over what could be the next big thing in fast-casual crossover products.
Wendy’s Expands Its Brand Beyond the Drive-Thru
Wendy’s has spent the past few years strategically dipping its toe into the grocery space, a move that allows the chain to leverage its iconic menu items in a new and expanded environment. First, there was the rollout of Wendy’s chili to grocery store shelves in 2023 — a fan-favorite known for its rich flavor and slow-simmered texture. Then came its buzzy collaborations with Kellogg’s, which included a Baconator-flavored Pringles chip, a Chicken Sandwich Pringles flavor, and even a limited-edition Frosty Chocolatey Cereal.
The introduction of Wendy’s double-smoked bacon to grocery stores marks a natural next step. Known for its rich, smoky flavor and crispy bite, the bacon has long been a centerpiece in some of the chain’s most beloved menu items, including the Baconator. Now, fans have a chance to bring a taste of that signature experience into their own kitchens.
Kroger Shoppers Get First Taste of Double-Smoked Bacon
According to Delish, Instagram food influencer Markie Devo was among the first to break the news, posting that Wendy’s double-smoked bacon was spotted in a Kroger store in Kentucky. The packaging features the fast-food brand’s signature red and white color scheme, along with the Wendy’s logo that fans instantly recognize.
Though there is currently no official confirmation of a broader rollout, Wendy’s loyalists are hoping this is the beginning of something big. After all, Kroger is one of the largest grocery chains in the country, and a successful test launch could lead to expanded availability at locations nationwide.
The Iconic Square Patties Also Join the Grocery Shelf Lineup
And it’s not just the bacon making headlines. Wendy’s also recently launched a pilot program in select Colorado and Ohio markets to sell its iconic square burger patties at Kroger and King Soopers stores. The patties — sold fresh, not frozen — come in a 1-pound four-pack and are available in the refrigerated section (not the freezer).
“Wendy’s is pursuing opportunities to bring our fresh, famous food to customers in new and exciting ways,” a company spokesperson told USA Today.
This grocery store expansion serves as a test for future distribution plans. If the response in these initial markets is strong, customers across the U.S. may soon be able to pick up their favorite Wendy’s staples while running their weekly errands.
A Broader Industry Trend: Fast Food Meets the Frozen Aisle
Wendy’s isn’t the only quick-service giant breaking into retail. Over the last decade, several major restaurant brands have moved flagship items onto grocery store shelves in an effort to reach customers beyond the traditional storefront.
Taco Bell offers branded sauces and meal kits in most major grocery stores. Chick-fil-A sells its signature sauces by the bottle. Arby’s has jumped in with frozen curly fries and roast beef kits. Even McDonald’s, back in 2015, brought its McCafé line of coffee to supermarkets through a partnership with Kraft Foods.
These strategic moves serve dual purposes: expanding brand reach and increasing revenue streams without the overhead of physical restaurant locations. As more consumers opt for at-home meal prep without sacrificing flavor, brands like Wendy’s are smart to meet them halfway — offering the same great taste in a more convenient format.
What It Means for Wendy’s — and Fans
The rollout of Wendy’s double-smoked bacon and fresh burger patties to select Kroger stores signals the brand’s commitment to evolving alongside consumer habits. In a post-pandemic world where grocery sales are booming and at-home cooking is here to stay, this approach gives Wendy’s a competitive edge in both the restaurant and retail arenas.
It also strengthens the fast-food chain’s reputation for transparency and quality, long touting its “fresh, never frozen” beef as a differentiator from competitors. By bringing those same core products to consumers outside the restaurant, the company reinforces its values while building customer loyalty in new ways.
Wendy’s entry into the grocery sector, with its signature double-smoked bacon and iconic square patties, is more than a novelty — it’s a calculated step into the future of food. As major players in the fast-food space continue expanding into retail, Wendy’s is proving that it’s more than ready to compete for shelf space as well as drive-thru traffic.
