Wendy's in Republic tops restaurant chain in fundraiser

The Republic location of the Wendy's fast-food restaurant chain was the top fundraiser among over 6,500 restaurants in a recent campaign.

The Wendy's store, located at 1329 U.S. 60 East in Republic and owned by Springfield-based restaurant franchisee Hamra Enterprises LLC, raised $27,489 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, according to a news release issued yesterday. The annual Frosty Key Tag fundraiser brought in $22.6 million across the restaurant chain, with Hamra Enterprises-owned stores raising $430,000.

“This is like the Vince Lombardi Trophy in our eyes,” said Chris Martin, general manager of the Republic Wendy’s, in the release. “We want to thank everyone for their support, and we are proud to play an integral role in this campaign.”

Hamra Enterprises has donated more than $2.8 million to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption since 1992. The Springfield company has nearly 200 restaurants nationwide under the Wendy’s, Panera, Noodles and Co. and Caribou Coffee brands.

Through the Frosty Key Tag fundraiser, customers have the options to purchase physical or digital key tags for $3 that entitle them to a Junior Frosty with any purchase the following year. Proceeds of the tags benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.