How to Celebrate Wendy’s Where’s the Beef Commercial’s 40 Year Anniversary
Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef” commercial turns 40 this week, and boy, are we celebrating! Wendy’s is honoring its “Where’s the Beef” television ad, which debuted 40 years ago in a…
Wendy's "Where's the Beef" commercial turns 40 this week, and boy, are we celebrating!
Wendy’s is honoring its “Where’s the Beef” television ad, which debuted 40 years ago in a 1984 Super Bowl commercial.
That year the nation was swept off its feet by a feisty old lady demanding to know, "Where's the beef?". The little old lady with a hankerin' for hamburg captured the hearts and stomachs of America four decades ago.
In 1985, Clara made a surprise return to television commercials, this time for the Campbell's Soup company, where she humorously searched for the beef in their vegetable soup.
Where did "Where's the beef?" begin?
In the '80s, fast food wars are heating up like fries fresh out of the fryer. Wendy's, a rising star in the burger biz, needed something bold to stand out from the burger bunch. Enter Clara Peller, a spunky senior with a knack for stealing scenes.
Clara's catchphrase, "Where's the beef?" became an instant sensation, echoing from coast to coast. People couldn't get enough of her sass. She simply asked the simple question that cut to the meat of the matter: size matters when it comes to burgers!
But here's the kicker: Clara wasn't just any actress. She was a retired manicurist who stumbled into stardom at the ripe age of 81. Talk about a late-blooming career! Despite her memorable catchphrase, Clara's stint as a spokesperson for Wendy's was short-lived. She was dropped from the campaign after appearing in just a few commercials.
In 1985, Clara made a surprise return to television commercials, this time for the Campbell's Soup company, where she searched for the beef in their vegetable soup.
The "Where's the beef?" ad wasn't just about poking fun at the competition—it was a declaration of Wendy's commitment to quality. And boy, did it pay off!
Sales soared, and Wendy's became a household name.
So how is Wendy's celebrating?
Wendy’s customer can get a free Dave’s single-patty sandwich with any purchase on the brand’s smartphone app through February 12.
The app is also offering no delivery fee on Sunday for the Super Bowl.
11 Wildly Inappropriate Vintage Commercials You Don’t Want Your Kids to See
You want to sell me what?
11 Wildly Inappropriate Vintage Commercials will make you question everything you know.
You know vintage commercials. Those delightful relics of a time gone by when gender stereotypes were rampant, racial insensitivity was the norm, and smoking was not only socially acceptable but downright fashionable.
Truly, a golden age of advertising.
Click HERE if you want to check out 80s vintage perfume ads. Click HERE for the best Super Bowl ads.
Ads sexualized women and objectified them as nothing more than eye candy. Then there are the ones that perpetuated harmful racial stereotypes.
Vintage commercials were a masterclass in inappropriate messaging.
Who can forget the iconic Marlboro Man, the rugged cowboy who convinced millions of impressionable young men that smoking was the epitome of masculinity?
Or the "charmingly" sexist ads that told women they could only be happy and fulfilled if they had the latest household gadget or cleaning product?
And let's not forget the cringe-worthy commercials that shamelessly promoted unhealthy and dangerous products.
Who needs seatbelts when you can drive a car with "power brakes" and "power steering"? And why bother with healthy eating when you can have a sugary bowl of cereal for breakfast?
Yes, vintage commercials were truly a sight to behold.
But let's be honest, they were also a product of their time. They reflected the values and attitudes of the society in which they were created, and while that doesn't excuse their inappropriate content, it does help us understand why they were so prevalent.
Thankfully, we've come a long way since the days of inappropriate vintage commercials. Advertising has become more diverse, inclusive, and socially responsible, and companies are increasingly held accountable for the messages they put out into the world.
But let's not forget the lessons of the past. Let's use these vintage commercials as a reminder of how far we've come, and how much further we still have to go.
It all seemed very sweet. But look closer. Some of these ads will make you want to call the cops.
Or at least a family therapist.
Johnson Boats
OK, perhaps the term wasn't part of the vernacular back then. But that's the ONLY excuse.
Balzac
Overheard in the pitch room:
Person 1: "So, it's a ball and it's kind of like a hacky sac."
Person: 2 "We should combine the two words!"
Person: 3 "Great idea!"
Voice over: "It was, as they found out later, not a great idea."
The Wunder Boner
OK, this is a joke, right? I mean, it's an SNL spoof, correct? Did this actually air on the TELEVISION?
RSPCA
Ok, this is SERIOUSLY messed up. Trigger warning. Literally.
Minolta X7
Hey, we want to sell you a camera! Especially if you are a pervert who likes to spy on women who randomly take off their clothes. Also, the look at the end? Male fantasy. She's not smiling. She's filing a 51A.
The Flintstones
I love my children's cartoons chock full of sexism and sponsored by a product that will go on to kill millions of people. Fred and Barney, you should be ASHAMED!
National Airlines
Ride Judy. Good GOD in heaven. I can't even with this.
Love's Baby Soft
I don't know what level 3 sex offender was in charge of this campaign, but my guess is his work bonus was a white van, duct tape and chloroform. This is so messed up, I need to go bleach my eyes.
Nestea Plunge
The best wet yet. I'm just going to leave this here.
Maxwell House
I'm hoping this husband falls off his stupid boat and is eaten slowly by a swarm of sharks.
Folgers
Mrs. Olson, why are you teaching this woman how to make coffee? You should be taking her to family court so she can divorce this smug jerk.
