The Wendy’s at the intersection of Platinum and Emily Drive in Bridgeport has been in place for decades. And now, the long-time eatery is about to get a major makeover thanks to the recent acquisition of that location and several others.

 

During a recent Bridgeport Development Authority meeting, Community Development Director Randy Spellman told the group that a company led by Dave Wenzel purchased several of the Wendy’s in the area, including the Bridgeport location. Wenzel’s company, Wendelk. is out of Kentucky.

 

The company took ownership of a franchise business that has been in that area for more than a quarter of a century. According to the City of Bridgeport's tax office, it opened Sept. 1, 1991.

 

“They purchased this location six to eight months ago and they’ve purchased a lot of locations,” said Spellman. “They’re taking them one at a time (as far as upgrades) and now they’re doing the Bridgeport location.”

 

The upgrade is to the tune of $130,000. The discussion in front of the BDA was whether to approve a Facade Improvement grant. Spellman said $58,110 worth of the work would meet the requirements for the grant. With that in mind, the board approved $10,000 – the limit – to help facilitate the project.

 

Spellman said he’s excited with the work being planned. He’s also excited with some very noticeable work that’s already taken place.

 

“I don’t know if you noticed the wall that’s in front of Wendy’s (bordering Emily Drive’s entrance), but they’ve cleaned that up and painted it gray. That’s all this new owner,” said Spellman. “He did it immediately because he felt he had to get the grunge off the wall and it looks tremendously better.”

 

City Clerk Andrea Kerr said the cleanup has been noticed by many people locally and beyond. She said the wall had been dirty for years and it was one of the first things done when possession of the property was received.

 

“The good news about that is the wall isn’t even his,” said Kerr. “He came in and immediately wanted to make a section of the community look better and he just did that out of the goodness of his heart. He’s still not done with improving that wall.”

 

Spellman and Kerr looked over the detailed list of improvements to see what all qualified for the grant of which the wall outside the building would not – primarily since the new owners don’t own it. However, they were easily able to determine the near $60,000 that was eligible. From that, the grant allows you receive 20 percent of up to $50,000 of facade improvement and that’s the $10,000 that was awarded.

 

“There are parts that are interior improvements that don’t fallow the parameters of the improvement,” said Spellman. “

 

Some of the main improvements involve parapets for the roof, which will be visible from three sides of the building. The building will also see new masonry work, painting and new drive through canopies. The exterior of the building will be completely overhauled with a metal panel system, said Spellman. New windows, tile and a new fence along the area facing U.S. Route 50.

 

Spellman said the fencing was requested by the city. And the owner was told why and readily agreed to include it in the upgrade.

 

“(City Manager) Kim (Haws) has always had concerns from Wendy’s about garbage that would blow over the hill. When the new owner came to us the first time, Kim has us ask him whether or not he would consider putting some sort of the fence along the parking lot to catch the garbage before it went over the hill,” said Spellman. “They were very receptive to that.”

 

Spellman said it’s not a cheap fix either. He said they will invest $5,700 for the fencing.

 

“It’s a black chain link and we’ve had staff deal with that issue for years. You would see them climbing that hill to pull out bags so this will help,” said Spellman. “He’s very helpful to do things beyond his parameters … We’re excited to have him as a new owner. It’s going to have a much fresher, much nicer look than what we currently have.”

 

The grant is a reimbursable grant. Once it is completed, invoices are submitted to the city showing the work was complete and then the city will issue the grant of up to $10,000.
 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Randy Spellman showing the Development Authority a drawing of the renovations, while the second photo is of the wall that the new owners recently cleaned up. The existing business is shown below.