The closures will begin later this year and continue into 2026. A specific list of affected locations has not been disclosed, but Wendy’s has confirmed that the decision is part of its broader "Project Fresh" strategy. 

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

Wendy’s will close between 200 and 350 of its US locations by the end of 2026 as part of a turnaround plan to address underperforming restaurants.

Interim CEO Ken Cook announced Friday, Nov. 7 that the closures, representing about a “mid single-digit percentage” of the fast food chain’s 6,000 US locations, will target stores that have consistently lagged in sales and hurt franchisee profitability.

Cook revealed the news after the company released its third-quarter results.

“These actions will strengthen the system and enable franchisees to invest more capital and resources in their remaining restaurants,” Cook said during a call with analysts, according to CNN. “Closures of underperforming units are expected to boost sales and profitability at nearby locations.”

The closures will begin later this year and continue into 2026. A specific list of affected locations has not been disclosed, but Wendy’s has confirmed that the decision is part of its broader "Project Fresh" strategy. 

The initiative aims to revitalize the brand amid declining same-store sales and growing competition from fast food rivals like McDonald’s and Burger King.

This move follows the closure of 140 Wendy’s locations in 2024, which were also shuttered due to poor performance. 

The company reported a 4.7 percent drop in US same-store sales last quarter, while competitors like McDonald’s and Shake Shack saw positive growth, driven by popular deals and marketing campaigns.

To counteract these challenges, Wendy’s has introduced new menu items, such as its chicken tenders — nicknamed "Tendys" — which have seen strong demand. 

At the same time, the company continues to grow internationally, opening new locations abroad while restructuring its US presence.

Despite the closures, Wendy’s emphasized that the strategy is designed to help franchisees reinvest in successful locations, upgrade technology, and enhance profitability. Alternatives to closures, including transferring ownership of struggling stores to new operators, are also being explored.

Wendy’s leadership remains optimistic about the long-term impact of its turnaround strategy. 

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.