Much-loved American fast-food chain, Wendy’s, is making its mark across the pond. Since establishing its first UK outlet in Reading in 2021, the renowned quick-service brand is homing in on its expansion target of 50 outlets. At the Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull (managed by UK franchise partner, Blank Table), the brand has implemented an audio upgrade by installing four Sonos Era 100 Pro speakers to create a richer, more immersive dining environment. The success of this project has paved the way for further installations, including the recently completed rollout at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill, reinforcing Wendy’s commitment to delivering a premium in-store experience.
For Carl Morris, Managing Director at UK franchise, Blank Table, and self-described “super fan of Sonos”, the decision to partner with Sonos was an easy one. However, the Wendy’s site in Solihull presented a series of audio challenges. With open ceilings, exposed cable trays, and industrial design elements, achieving a clean aesthetic and optimal sound quality throughout the building proved difficult using conventional systems. Previous setups relied on speakers suspended from cable trays, which cluttered the visual environment with excess cabling, but also failed to deliver the clarity and consistency needed for a busy, multi-purpose space.
Wendy’s needed an audio system that could be seamlessly integrated into the existing décor, minimising visible hardware while maximising acoustic performance. As the restaurant is situated in a shopping centre, Carl was keen to ensure that music was used as a tool to separate the restaurant atmosphere from the rest of the complex, and welcome guests into the space. The solution had to offer precise control over audio zones, allowing staff to tailor volume and music selection to different areas and times of day as required by the customer base. Moreover, the system needed to be easy to manage and robust enough to handle a wide variety of musical genres without compromising on quality. Simplicity of installation was also a priority, with a preference for minimal cabling and straightforward mounting options.
The team sought an audio solution that would not only enhance the atmosphere and customer experience but also reflect the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and operational efficiency. The Sonos Era 100 Pro speakers proved to be the perfect fit for the space. Their compact, unobtrusive design allowed them to blend seamlessly into the restaurant’s décor, either on the white bulkhead walls or higher up against the black ceiling. The installation was straightforward with minimal disruption, requiring only CAT6 cabling and brackets, installed by Paul’s Aerial Solutions, a longtime partner of Blank Table.
Music plays a central role in shaping the customer journey at Wendy’s, and with a dedicated music provider curating a diverse selection of genres, Era 100 Pro speakers deliver consistent, high-quality sound regardless of the playlist. One of the standout features of the new system is its ability to control music in different zones throughout the restaurant. This flexibility is particularly valuable in a busy shopping centre environment where the front of the store needs to be louder to create an immersive Wendy’s atmosphere, while quieter zones cater to customers who wish to work or relax.
The ease of use offered by the Sonos app has also been a game-changer for the Wendy’s team. Previously, managing the sound system was a complicated task, but now staff can adjust music and volume effortlessly from a tablet device. This intuitive control, combined with the system’s reliability, has made a significant difference to daily operations. “It just works really well. I think they’ve nailed it with the ease of use of the app,” says Carl Morris, Managing Director at Blank Table. The impact at Solihull has been overwhelmingly positive, impressing both customers and Wendy’s corporate team. Off the back of this success, Sonos Era 100 Pro has now been installed at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre location in Brierley Hill, with plans for further rollouts as Wendy’s continues its UK expansion. While it is still early days, Carl is confident in the long-term partnership with Sonos. “The system ticks every box and sounds even better now than it did two months ago,” shares Carl. “The ROI is stunning and for the quality and performance you get, it’s a fantastic value proposition. I would recommend Sonos 100%, I wouldn’t go anywhere else.” By prioritising quality, flexibility, and ease of use, Wendy’s has created an environment where music enhances the customer experience, supporting the brand’s commitment to delivering a memorable visit every time.
