By Associated Press

April 27, 2004, 3:36 PM EDT


DUBLIN, Ohio -- Wendy's has started testing the low-carb market by offering "bunless" sandwiches at 248 of the fast-food chain's restaurants in six U.S. cities.

"We're actively exploring new, creative ways to highlight the many options our menu provides," Tom Mueller, president and chief operating officer of Wendy's North America, said Monday.

"By eliminating the bun and substituting a Caesar side salad for french fries, we're creating terrific meal choices for customers watching their carbohydrate intake."

Earlier this month, McDonald's announced it was phasing out super-sizing, and introduced "Go Active" Happy Meals that include a salad, bottled water and a pedometer to measure the distance a person walks.

Burger King started promoting burgers without buns in January, following the lead of smaller chains, Hardee's and Carl's Jr.

Wendy's calls its entry "Meals for Carb Counters." They feature either a cheeseburger or grilled chicken breast on a bed of Romaine lettuce, topped with slices of tomato and red onion; a Caesar side salad; and a medium Diet Coke.

The cheeseburger meal has six grams of carbs, while the grilled chicken meal has eight. Recommended pricing for both will be the same as Wendy's regular combo meals.

Test market locations include Tulsa, Okla.; Virginia Beach, Va.; Salt Lake City; Kansas City and St. Joseph, Mo.; and Wichita, Kan.


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