Wendy’s Selects First-Ever Chief Tasting Officer

Wendy’s has appointed its first Chief Tasting Officer to provide fan-based feedback on menu innovation and create brand content for a $100,000 salary.

Read the original at QSR Magazine
Wendy’s Selects First-Ever Chief Tasting Officer

TL;DR

Wendy's has appointed Amber Y. Luster as its first Chief Tasting Officer, a newly created role to engage the brand's fan community and provide feedback on menu innovation. Luster will taste-test menu items, create brand content, and serve as a representative of Wendy's fan base for a $100,000 salary.

Wendy’s has selected Amber Y. Luster as its first-ever Chief Tasting Officer, filling a newly created role designed to engage the brand’s fan community and provide feedback on future menu innovation.

The quick-service chain launched a nationwide search earlier this year, inviting customers to apply for the position. Wendy’s said it received thousands of submissions before selecting Luster, whose background in media and content creation helped distinguish her from other candidates.

As Chief Tasting Officer, Luster will taste-test menu items, create brand content, and serve as a representative of Wendy’s fan base. The role carries a salary of $100,000.

“Thousands of our most passionate fans applied for this newly created role, and after reviewing all the applications, we selected a Chief Tasting Officer who embodies the brand love and energy we’re looking for,” Lindsay Radkoski, chief marketing officer of Wendy’s, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to partner with Amber Luster to showcase the best of Wendy’s menu, bring the voice of our customer to future menu ideas and celebrate the fandom at the heart of our brand.”

According to Wendy’s, Luster’s favorite order is a Son of Baconator combo meal paired with four-piece Chicken Nuggets and Honey Mustard dipping sauce.

The company said Luster will begin appearing across Wendy’s social media channels immediately as she takes on the role.

In this story

This story was originally published by Ben Coley in QSR Magazine on June 8, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.

Read the full story at QSR Magazine

Liked this? Get the week's franchise news, explained

  • Sunday 8 AM ET weekly + a monthly deep dive
  • Sections picked for the industries you follow
  • Every claim linked to its source. Free.

Free. We'll ask you to confirm. Unsubscribe anytime.