Why Are Wendy’s Burgers Square? The Real Reason

Wendy’s burgers are square so the corners of the patty stick out past the round bun. When you look at the burger, you can see the beef on every side, so it looks like you are getting plenty of meat. That was the whole point when Dave Thomas opened the first Wendy’s in 1969.

Where did the square burger idea come from?

Dave Thomas grew up near Kalamazoo, Michigan, where a small chain called Kewpee Hamburgers sold square burgers and thick malts. He liked them so much that he copied the idea when he opened his own restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, on November 15, 1969.

The thick shake idea turned into the Frosty, and the square patty became the chain’s trademark.

What does “we don’t cut corners” mean?

The company likes to say its burgers are square because it does not cut corners. It is a play on words. A round patty would have its corners cut off, and the brand wanted people to think it does not take shortcuts with its food. The line still shows up in ads today.

Are the burgers still fully square?

Mostly. In 2011 the classic Single, Double and Triple were remade as Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy burgers. The patty got thicker and the sharp corners were rounded a little, but it is still clearly square, and the edges still poke out of the bun.

The company also says its burgers use fresh beef that is never frozen in the contiguous U.S., which it sees as part of the same promise.

What do the square burgers cost?

Prices change by location. See every burger, nugget and Frosty on our Wendy’s menu with prices.

Does the square shape change the taste?

Not really. The shape is mostly about looks and branding. What people notice more is that the patty reaches the edge of the bun, so the first bite has meat in it instead of just bread. Fans say that is the best part.

Fun facts about the square patty

• The first restaurant was named after Dave Thomas’s daughter Melinda Lou, nicknamed Wendy.
• The square shape is so well known that many people can name the chain from a photo of the patty alone.

Want more about the chain? Read who owns Wendy’s or is a Wendy’s Frosty ice cream. You can also compare burgers on the McDonald’s menu and the Burger King menu.

Frequently asked questions

Why are Wendy’s burgers square?

So the corners of the patty stick out past the round bun, showing the beef on every side. Founder Dave Thomas wanted customers to see they were getting plenty of meat.

Who came up with the square burger?

Dave Thomas borrowed the idea from Kewpee Hamburgers, a small chain near his hometown in Michigan that sold square burgers.

What does Wendy’s mean by not cutting corners?

It is a play on the square shape. A round patty cuts off the corners, and the brand uses the line to say it does not take shortcuts with its food.

Is Wendy’s beef fresh or frozen?

Wendy’s says its burgers use fresh beef that is never frozen in the contiguous U.S.

How much is a Dave’s Single?

A Dave’s Single costs about $5.69 in many places and has about 560 calories.

Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.