The Wendy’s Co. is teaming with Meta’s Horizon Worlds to open its first virtual-reality Wendyverse restaurant on April 2, the company announced Wednesday.
The Dublin, Ohio-based burger company said its first virtual-reality location would give users new opportunities to react with each other and the brand. Wendy’s is among a number of restaurant companies testing how to use the metaverse.
“For years we’ve been meeting our fans in unexpected ways and places with our unique approach to social media, gaming and engagement,” said Carl Loredo, Wendy’s chief marketing officer, in a statement. “Truly a first of its kind, the Wendyverse bridges the best of today with tomorrow to show up for our fans across every world — with a Frosty and fries in hand.”
In the first phase of the Wendyverse, users with a Meta Quest 2, which was created as Oculus when the company was named Facebook Inc., can venture into a world built by community creators. It features a:
● Wendyverse Town Square Central with a Wendy’s restaurant replicated in the virtual world. Players can go behind the counter and meet friends.
● Wendyverse Partnership Plaza where players can visit The Buck BiscuitDome to shoot hoops with a virtual Baconator and cut the net following a winning shot.
As part of the Wendyverse debut, the brand is offering a Sausage or Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit for $1 via the app or in the restaurants from April 1 through May 1.
Horizon Worlds, launched in 2021, is a free social experience that allows people to explore, play and connect. Users can discover new places with friends, compete in action-packed games and interactive experiences, and design worlds of their own or be inspired by others.
Vishal Shah, Meta’s vice president of metaverse, said in a press release that “The full vision of metaverse may be years away, but brands should start experimenting on what their metaverse presence will be now.”
Nicky Bell, Meta’s vice president of creative shop, added that “building this world is a great example of how brands can show up in Horizon Worlds in intentional, meaningful ways with their communities.”
Those without a Quest 2 headset can check out a viewer-only version and access deals by visiting Wendyverse.com starting April 2.
The company offered these directions to navigate to the Wendyverse for those 18 and older and based in the United States or Canada who have downloaded the free Horizon Worlds app:
1. Turn over the left wrist and select the “Three Line icon” from the “Personal Menu,” and then select the “Pin Icon” (toward the bottom)
2. Select the “Magnifying Glass icon” (in the upper right-hand corner)
3. Use the virtual keyboard to search for “Wendyverse”
4. Click the picture to travel to the world
Wendy's, founded in 1969, has about 7,000 restaurants worldwide.
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