Wendy’s Introduces Lobster and Caviar Burgers

Sorry America -- you'll have to get your lobster and caviar the old fashioned way, because Wendy's luxe burger is only available in Japan.

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In a sketch from IFC’s hit sketch comedy show Portlandia, a waiter played by Kumail Nanjiani asks Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein if they would like to “lobsterate” their meal, meaning topping off their hamburgers with a lobster. While the comedy duo said no, Wendy’s is hoping that hungry diners in Japan will say yes. The fast food chain is adding lobster and caviar as toppings for a new line of luxe burgers. The lobsterated burgers are available for a limited time and only to customers in Japan.

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When Wendy’s returned to Japan late last year after exiting the market in 2009, they wanted to make a splash in the crowded fast food field. They decided to do that by staking a claim in the burgeoning luxury burger market by introducing high-end toppings to pile on top of their famously square burgers, a strategy that’s worked for fast-casual dining chains like Five Guys Burger & Fries and Slater’s 50/50.

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Wendy’s is now making foie gras, truffles, lobster and caviar available to hungry foodies willing to shell out for the upgraded burgers. Wendy’s introduced their Japanese customers to the deluxe menu concept by debuting a $16 burger lavished with foie gras and truffle sauce, according to the LA Times. A chili and Iberian bacon burger for a mere $12.50 was next to grace the menu, now it’s lobster and caviar, according to the Burger Business blog. Customers can choose between the Lobster Surf & Turf Burger — a classic beef burger patty topped with lobster — or a caviar and lobster sandwich. For those really wanting to impress their dates, Wendy’s is also offering a lobster and caviar salad with egg, avocado and onion for $20.

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