A Real Deal

Don’t be surprised if you see Wendy’s founder and owner Dave Thomas, who has one of the most recognizable mugs on television, pitching Coca-Cola soon. Wendy’s officials announced Monday that Coca-Cola will be the hamburger chain’s exclusive soda for the next decade, with all Wendy’s restaurants expected to be serving the world’s top-selling soft drink within two years. About 85 percent of Wendy’s restaurants in the United States already serve Coke products, but the switch will affect 700 to 800 franchises now under contract with Pepsi distributors. Coke is expected to put $42 million into Wendy’s national advertising in the first year of the deal.