Plum Crazy

Yesterday was the first I’d heard of someone making the gruesome discovery of a finger in her Wendy’s chili. She’s been arrested for reasons that the police have yet to announce.

In the meantime, Wendy’s has been in serious PR mode trying to recover from the stain on its reputation and a hefty loss of business. From the New York Times (req. required):

To quell the problems and try to rebuild the company's reputation, Wendy's decided to offer free milkshakes this weekend in 48 Bay Area stores as a sign of customer appreciation. Mr. Lynch flew to San Jose on Tuesday to help coordinate the effort. The company has also decided to send coupons to residents in the area around the restaurant. Next month, Wendy's will introduce a new premium deli sandwich, also in the Bay Area.

I am dubious about this strategy. It’s not like Wendy’s committed some PR gaffe that can be salved by offers of free food. We’re talking about people’s utter repulsion at the thought of someone finding a finger in her food. That’s going to stick in the mind and steer people away. The only answer? Time or an announcement by the police that the woman, who has a history of filing lawsuits, was arrested because she planted the finger.

Update: Police have now announced she was arrested on suspicion of planting the finger. Desperate and sick.