Wendy’s Introducing Krabby Patty from ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’

The hot dog situation — where you get eight buns but ten hot dogs — is a classic Americana grievance. Yet, it’s not the only odd bread-to-meat ratio we encounter. Think about Wendy’s square hamburgers served on round buns. It’s always seemed puzzling.

Now, Wendy’s and Paramount are collaborating for something equally unique: the Krabby Patty. Yes, the famed sandwich from the “SpongeBob SquarePants” series is making its way to Wendy’s restaurants, according to a source. Move over, spicy nuggets — the Krabby Patty might just be the surprise hit of 2024.

In the SpongeBob universe, the Krusty Krab is essentially the underwater equivalent of Wendy’s. It’s SpongeBob and Squidward’s workplace, after all. The Krabby Patty, the Krusty Krab’s signature item, is set to become part of a value meal at Wendy’s. This meal will also include a Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty and medium fries.

Wendy’s hasn’t made any formal announcements yet. When contacted, a Wendy’s spokesperson said, “Thanks for reaching out! While we can’t confirm what’s coming down Wendy’s innovation pipeline, we can share that we’re always looking to bring fans new menu items inspired by their cravings. We will be sure to keep you in the loop when we have more news to share.”

So while nothing is officially confirmed, an internal memo posted to Reddit suggests the Krabby Patty will debut on October 8. Available at participating locations in the U.S., Canada, and Guam, this limited-time offering will end on November 11.

A spokesperson for Nickelodeon, SpongeBob’s home within the Paramount universe, declined to comment on the development.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Over the years, the show has brought us three theatrical films: “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” (2004), “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” (2015), and “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” (2020). Recently, a spin-off, “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie,” premiered on Netflix and held the number one spot for two weeks straight.

Another theatrical release, “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants,” is slated for December 19, 2025. Directed by Derek Drymon, it will feature SpongeBob facing the ghost of the Flying Dutchman.

In the show, the Krabby Patty is a meatless burger made with seaweed buns and an assortment of deep-sea produce. Created by Plankton and Mr. Krabs, this fictitious burger is a fan favorite. Wendy’s version will be a “premium cheeseburger” featuring fresh produce and a secret Krabby Patty sauce, as revealed in the memo. The Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty will be a vanilla frosty with Pineapple Mango purée.

The collaboration sounds exciting, except for one small detail: Wendy’s well-known square beef. Dave Thomas has been serving square patties since opening the first restaurant in 1969. The Krusty Krab’s Krabby Patty, however, is round. How will Wendy’s handle this discrepancy? Will they cut corners or ask customers to ignore the oddity? Our source couldn’t confirm, but it’s unlikely Wendy’s will change a 55-year-old tradition for a one-month promo.

Why are Wendy’s hamburgers square in the first place? According to corporate, square patties “hang over the bun so customers can see the quality beef even before their first bite.”

In 2022, John Li, Wendy’s VP of culinary innovation, shared a more practical reason with CNN Business: “We can fit more square hamburgers on a single grill than round ones.”

We appreciate the pragmatism but can’t help but notice the deviation from the norm. Burgers are typically round, John — unless, of course, you live in a pineapple under the sea.

Source: IndieWire