UNION COUNTY, Pa. — Wendy's has more than 250 locations across Pennsylvania and is the second-largest fast-food chain in the United States.
Now, the fast food giant says next year, there could be changes to its pricing system.
Wendy's is looking to switch to a fluctuating pricing model most commonly seen in ride-share companies like Uber and ticket sellers.
"Historically, companies just set one price that was constant across time. Pricing algorithms allow companies to change prices throughout the day," said Zach Brown, University of Michigan Professor of Economics.
For example, if you were to go to Wendy's and buy something like a Baconator at a busy time of the day, like the lunch or dinner rush, you could be paying a dollar or so more.
"Honestly, I think that's kind of a scam in my eyes," said Brandon Emert, Turbotville.
Brandon Emmert of Turbotville thinks fast food companies already make enough money, and flexible prices could push away customers.
"What about the people that can't physically go at that specific time? Then they are getting screwed over because of their work schedule or something like that. It doesn't benefit them. It benefits the business, which I understand because the businesses make money and everything, but do they really need to?" said Emert.
"I guess it's just the changing of the times, the way the economy is. Everyone's gotta make a buck whenever you can," said Tom Pfleegor, Watsontown.
Having just stopped at the Wendy's in Lewisburg for dinner, Tom Pfleegor of Watsontown would prefer if the business kept the prices at the same rate no matter what time of day, "I don't like the idea of it; I think it should just stay the same and if you set the price, you should just keep it there," he said.
Experts say if Wendy's is successful, other fast food chains will likely implement the dynamic pricing system as well.