On This Day: January 9, 1984 - Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef” Commercial Debuted

[Pete]

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On this day, January 9, 1984, Wendy’s debuted its now-iconic “Where’s the Beef” commercial, starring Clara Peller. This memorable ad, created to highlight Wendy’s larger burger patties compared to its competitors, quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

The commercial featured Peller, a sharp-tongued elderly woman, examining a competitor’s burger bun and exclaiming, “Where’s the beef?” The phrase became an instant catchphrase, used in everything from political debates to everyday conversation. The ad’s success helped Wendy’s boost its sales and secure a spot in advertising history.

Fun Fact: Clara Peller, who was 81 years old when the commercial aired, became an overnight sensation and appeared in several follow-up ads, cementing her status as a pop culture icon of the 1980s.

Do you remember seeing the “Where’s the Beef” commercial? What’s your favorite iconic ad from the 80s?

 

[Linda Ann]

Haha Where’s the beef? This commercial takes me back!

 

[Pete]

Haha Where’s the beef? This commercial takes me back!

I remember being a kid in class and someone would randomly yell out like an idiot where’s the beef! I was one of those idiots lol. The funny thing is that kids always laughed.

 

[Linda Ann]

Yes! They used to do the same in my high school. Someone would yell where’s the beef? Then some would reply with between your teeth! It was funny back then but now I’m like really??

 

[Pete]

Yes! They used to do the same in my high school. Someone would yell where’s the beef? Then some would reply with between your teeth! It was funny back then but now I’m like really??

The commercial and the joking that we did in school were hilarious! I was 8 when it came out, and I still remember it from school. It ran for around a year or two which is probably why the jokes about it stuck with me.

 

[MagicMan]

The old lady started doing commercials for hunts tomato sauce.