At the core of marketing lies competition, with millions of brands striving to make their voices heard and connect with their target audiences. Sometimes, this competition becomes particularly fierce, as seen in the rivalry between Wendy’s and McDonald’s. Their contention often unfolds on prominent platforms, such as Twitter exchanges or Wendy’s “Fresh, Never Frozen” campaign. However, the real clash happens on the streets, where numerous franchises vie for the same key audience. Wendy’s understands this well.

Outside a McDonald’s in Cambridge, Ohio, there’s a towering billboard on a cliffside overlooking the building. It reads, “Don’t make a McStake. See you in half a mile. – Wendy’s.” Next to it is another billboard featuring Wendy’s iconic character, her eyes daring you to disregard the message. This clever and bold approach encapsulates Wendy’s aggressive branding strategy in their rivalry, even on a smaller scale. So take heed and drive that extra half mile.