US fastfood firm Wendy’s International has reported continued strong sales growth in March at its Wendy’s and Tim Hortons outlets in the US.


Same-store sales increased 9.9% at Wendy’s US company restaurants and 7.8% at franchised restaurants. On a preliminary basis, same-store sales increased 8.5% at Tim Hortons restaurants in Canada and 13.9% at Tim Hortons in the US.


The strong sales growth marks a significant change to March 2003, when same-store sales fell 3% at Wendy’s US company restaurants and fell 2.3% at Wendy’s US franchise restaurants.


CEO Jack Schuessler said the sales growth was helped by a focus on new product introductions and promotions.


The company is due to report first-quarter earnings on 22 April.