Wendy’s Plans to Close Hundreds of U.S. Restaurants in Restructuring Move
Wendy’s is preparing to shut down a significant number of its U.S. restaurants as the fast-food chain works to reverse declining performance.
Interim CEO Ken Cook told investors on Friday that the company expects to close a “mid single-digit percentage” of its roughly 6,000 domestic locations. That estimate places the number of closures between about 200 and 350 restaurants. The reduction will target sites that have consistently fallen short of sales expectations, Cook said.
The closures will begin this year and continue through 2026. Wendy’s did not release a list of affected locations, noting that decisions will be made in partnership with franchise operators.
Cook said eliminating persistently underperforming restaurants is intended to strengthen the overall brand, allowing franchisees to put more investment and staffing resources into stronger-performing stores. The company believes the move will help improve profitability for nearby locations.
The announcement follows the closure of roughly 140 Wendy’s restaurants last year amid similar financial concerns.
Wendy’s latest quarterly results underscored the pressure the company is facing, with U.S. same-store sales down 4.7%. Competitors including McDonald’s, Burger King and Shake Shack reported sales growth over the same period, driven by promotional deals and increased marketing traction.
Wendy’s leadership said further strategic changes are underway as the company works to regain momentum in a highly competitive fast-food market.
