Wendy’s plans on introducing surge pricing for menu items starting next year

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Wendy’s is preparing to test an “Uber-style” surge-pricing model where the cost of menu items will fluctuate throughout the day based on demand — meaning a Dave’s burger will cost more during the lunch or dinner rush.

The fast-food chain’s unappetizing plans, set to be tested in a high-stakes rollout next year, will squeeze more money out of already inflation-battered Americans who may not have the option to eat their meals during “off-peak” hours.

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Industry experts warned that Wendy’s should expect backlash when it tries to hit up hungry diners with ever-shifting prices.

“There are people who view dynamic pricing as a rip-off,” restaurant analyst Mark Kalinowski told The Post.

Added restaurant consultant Arlene Spiegel, “It won’t fly and guests will be very upset. You can’t surprise a guest with, ‘Your meal will cost another 50 cents or $1 today.’”

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Franchise owners contend that dynamic pricing is more about helping with scheduling and easing the burden on kitchen staff during peak hours – as opposed to maximizing profits.

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