A report from CNBC says that due to the coronavirus, there is a serious beef shortage in the U.S.
According to Stephens analyst James Rutherford, online menus for every Wendy’s location nationwide revealed that 1,043 restaurants have listed beef items as out of stock.
The shortages vary by state. Hundreds of Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee and New York restaurants are out of beef, while other states’ menus do not indicate any supply chain issues.
Wendy’s spokeswoman Heidi Schauer said in a statement, “It is widely known that beef suppliers across North America are currently facing production challenges. We continue to supply hamburgers to all of our restaurants, with deliveries two or three times a week, which is consistent with normal delivery schedules. However, some of our menu items may be temporarily limited at some restaurants in this current environment.”
Wendy’s differentiates itself from McDonald’s and Burger King, because Wendy’s uses fresh beef. Neither fast-food rival reported any supply-chain disruptions during their earnings calls last week.
