Chad Donelson’s favorite Wendy’s meal is a Number 2 Combo. Zane Gross says his favorite is the spicy chicken with cheese and bacon added.

They ought to know what they are talking about. The two men are co-owners of Bluffton’s new Wendy’s, which celebrated a soft opening on Dec. 28.

The owners' comments about Bluffton customers, reflects local tastes: "We keep running of out spoons" (for the frosty's).

Chad started flipping burgers in his parent’s Wendy’s in Ashland in 1985. Zane started in the same Wendy’s as assistant manager in 1982.

The two-man team became franchise operators of Wenco-Wooster in 1999, when they purchased the franchise from Chad’s parents. Bluffton’s Wendy’s became the 15th in their franchise. The Bluffton restaurant is part of their Wenco-Ashland franchise.

The long-anticipated opening of the Bluffton Wendy’s launched with little fanfare, but word got around quickly after The Icon posted a “Now Open” photo on Dec. 28.

The Bluffton restaurant, on State Route 103, has 40 employees, seating for 98 persons in its dining area and a 51-car parking lot. This spring, parking for semi-trucks will be constructed behind the restaurant.

Judy Wenning is the restaurant general manager. According to Gross, applications are still being accepted for the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift. Interested applicants may inquiry at the restaurant.

Business hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with its drive-through open until midnight. The restaurant telephone number is 419-358-0413.

Construction of the Bluffton Wendy’s began on Oct. 8 and was completed upon its Dec. 28 opening.