On September 23, 2026, Wendy's did something nobody saw coming: the fast food chain dropped a six-song emo EP called Songs to Listen to in a Wendy's Parking Lot. This was not a joke jingle or a one-off commercial. It is a real project with real musicians from the emo and pop-punk world, released in partnership with Rise Records and streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other major platforms.

The concept

The idea came from something fans were already doing. Wendy's says customers have been sitting in its parking lots, filming emotional moments from inside their cars. With emo and pop-punk enjoying a major cultural resurgence, the genre was the perfect backdrop for songs about Frostys, fries, sunrooms, and late-night runs. The full EP runs about 22 minutes, which is roughly one long parking lot sit.

A legit lineup

Instead of fictional bands or AI-generated vocals, Wendy's recruited actual vocalists from the scene, and the company has been clear that real artists made the music. Here is the full tracklist:

  1. "She Said She Didn't Want Fries" ft. Matty Mullins (Memphis May Fire, Anberlin)
  2. "Salt in the Wound" ft. Chloe Kinnon (Winona Fighter)
  3. "I Miss the Sunroom" ft. Shane Told (Silverstein)
  4. "The Best Combo Meal on the Worst Night of My Life" ft. Beau Bokan (blessthefall)
  5. "It's Not a Phase, It's a 10PC" ft. Derek DiScanio (State Champs)
  6. "My Frosty's Funeral" ft. Kat Leon (Holy Wars)

Behind the board

Writing and producing all six songs is Matt Squire, a multi-platinum producer and songwriter whose credits include Panic! at the Disco, All Time Low, Simple Plan, Sum 41, and 3OH!3. Squire has said the concept works because emo has always been about small moments that feel huge, and eating a Frosty in a parking lot on a rough night is exactly that kind of moment.

The emo makeover

The rollout started on September 22 with a teaser: the classic Wendy mascot got an emo makeover, complete with side-swept bangs and black eyeliner, captioned "it was never a phase, album out 9.23.26." When one fan commented "She's going through a phase," the brand account fired back: "IT'S NOT A PHASE."

Hot take from the author: "I Miss the Sunroom" is the most nostalgic song title in fast food history, and longtime fans know exactly why.

The music is playing in restaurants too

The soundtrack is not staying on streaming. Starting Friday, September 25, participating restaurants added a custom playlist, built with Mood Music, that mixes the album tracks with other emo and pop-punk favorites. So the parking lot soundtrack might follow you inside, too.

What is next

Wendy's has said more is coming around the release: creator content, music videos, and behind-the-scenes moments across its social channels. Whether you are a lifelong emo kid or just here for the Frosty references, this one is worth a listen, if only for a track called "It's Not a Phase, It's a 10PC."

Fan note: Wendy's Daily News is an unofficial fan site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Wendy's Company. Streaming availability and in-restaurant playlists vary by platform and location.