Wendy’s Releases Emo EP Featuring Memphis May Fire and Blessthefall

A Collaborative Venture with Rise Records

The fast-food giant Wendy’s has officially ventured into the music industry with the release of a new EP titled "Songs to Listen to in a Wendy’s Parking Lot." This unexpected musical project is a collaboration between the burger chain and the Oregon-based label Rise Records. According to the official album credits found on various streaming services, the project is listed under the copyright ℗ 2026 Wendy’s x Rise Records, Inc.

The release was preceded by a social media campaign that teased the project through a significant visual change. Wendy’s debuted a new version of its iconic logo, featuring the "Wendy" character with her signature red hair styled in a swoop that covers one of her eyes, a look synonymous with the emo subculture of the early 2000s. The move prompted a wave of hilarious comments from fans who questioned if the chain was actually moving forward with a full emo album.

To bring the project to life, Wendy’s enlisted actual musicians from several recognizable bands within the alternative scene. The artists involved in the collaboration include members of Memphis May Fire, Anberlin, Silverstein, Blessthefall, State Champs, and Holy Wars. These musicians contributed to tracks that are inspired directly by the restaurant's menu items and its specific physical atmosphere.

Tracklist and Lyrical Themes

The EP consists of six tracks that combine the aesthetics of the emo genre with fast-food humor. The song titles and lyrics lean heavily into the "it's not a phase" sentiment often associated with the scene. One of the standout tracks, "The Best Combo Meal on the Worst Night of My Life," features Beau Bokan of blessthefall, who provides a vocal performance centered on the experience of seeking comfort in food during a difficult time.

"Parking lots and Frosty spoons will get me over you,"

— Beau Bokan

Another track, "I Miss the Sunroom," features Shane Told of Silverstein. The lyrics of this song address a specific piece of restaurant nostalgia, as Told shares his heartbreak over Wendy’s locations removing the glass sunrooms that were once a prominent architectural feature of the chain's buildings. Other songs on the EP are dedicated to the death of a Frosty, the brand's signature frozen dessert, and the social dynamics of ordering fries.

The complete track listing for "Songs to Listen to in a Wendy's Parking Lot" is as follows:

• 'She Said She Didn't Want Fries'

• 'Salt in the Wound'

• 'I Miss the Sunroom'

• 'The Best Combo Meal on the Worst Day'

• 'It's Not a Phase, It's a 10pc'

• 'My Frosty's Funeral'

Fan Reaction and Availability

The reaction from the emo community has been largely positive, with many fans embracing the kitschy and humorous nature of the tracks. The collaboration has sparked a sense of nostalgia for the early 2000s, leading to viral engagement on social media platforms. Following the release of the track featuring blessthefall, supporters of the band expressed their hope that the material might eventually see a live stage.

"If blessthefall doesn't play this on their next tour, I will cry in a Wendy's parking lot with the best combo meal of my life,"

— Fan Comment

The EP is currently available for streaming on most major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. The project serves as a reminder that the music of the 2000s scene continues to endure, even as the personal styles of the artists and fans have evolved over the years.

Genre and Artistic Context

The musicians participating in this project represent a diverse range of heavy and alternative music styles. While the EP is specifically branded as an emo project, the collective genre range of the involved artists includes Southern Rock, Southern Metal, and Metalcore. This variety contributes to the authentic "scene" sound of the EP, as Wendy's sought to work with actual practitioners of the genre rather than simply parodying the style. The collaboration highlights a unique intersection between corporate branding and the lasting cultural impact of the emo era.