Case Study: Wendy's achieves 98% training completion and improved customer satisfaction with Cornerstone OnDemand

Boosting the customer experience with engaging learning and development

Wendy’s, founded in 1969, operates 6,650 restaurants in more than 30 countries (95% franchised) and prioritizes quality and training to delight customers. Facing a predominantly paper-based learning system of job aids and DVDs that wasn’t meeting the needs of learners or franchisees, the company needed a more effective, scalable way to train employees and drive business results.

Wendy’s partnered with Cornerstone OnDemand and implemented Cornerstone Learning and Connect, building WeLearn for restaurant training and Wendy’s University for leadership development. The platform now serves 250,000 employees across 350 franchise organizations, averages 10,000 course completions daily, and achieved 98% training completion for annual food safety certification. Analytics link certifications to better performance—locations with employees holding 13+ certifications show higher customer satisfaction, sales and lower turnover—while simulations boost proficiency and support the company’s growth plans.

Wendy’s

Coley O’Brien

Chief People Officer