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Wendy’s Is Closing Hundreds of Restaurants in 2026 (Is Yours One?)

Wendy's plans to shutter hundreds of underperforming U.S. locations through 2026.

By Hannah Diffey

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Dec. 5, 2025

Wendy's, the fast-food chain famous for its square burgers and Frosty treats, is making headlines for closing hundreds of U.S. locations over the next year as part of a broader strategy to improve profitability and modernize its brand.

For loyal customers who are looking to go out to eat more, this news sparks a pressing question. Could your favorite Wendy's be on the chopping block?

Here's what we know so far about the closures, what Wendy's executives are saying, and how this could impact fans of the iconic chain.

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The history of Wendy's

Founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy's quickly became a household name with its unique square burgers, fresh ingredients, and commitment to quality. Over the decades, the chain expanded aggressively across the U.S. and internationally, becoming the third-largest hamburger chain in America.

Despite its popularity, the chain has not been immune to industry challenges. Rising competition, shifts in consumer habits, and economic pressure on fast food spending have created hurdles for Wendy's in recent years.

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Why is Wendy's closing locations?

The primary reason is underperformance. Wendy's interim CEO, Ken Cook, explained in a recent earnings call that certain stores are "a drag from a franchisee financial performance perspective" and do not align with the brand's goals. In some cases, restaurants may be outdated, lack modern equipment, or simply fail to attract enough customers to stay profitable.

Cook emphasized that closures are part of a strategic plan to improve the long-term health of the chain. By concentrating resources on high-performing stores, Wendy's hopes to enhance customer experience, increase traffic, and reinvest savings to optimize its remaining locations.

Which stores will close?

Wendy's has not released a list of specific restaurants slated for closure. Based on statements from Cook, approximately a mid-single-digit percentage of the company's nearly 6,000 U.S. locations will be affected. This translates to an estimated 240 to 360 stores.

It's important to note that some stores may not close entirely. In certain situations, struggling locations could receive upgrades, new technology, or even be transferred to a different operator rather than shut down permanently. Customers may notice changes in nearby Wendy's locations as part of this strategy.

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When will they close?

Closures are expected to begin starting in the fourth quarter of 2025 and continue into 2026. Cook mentioned that the process will be gradual, allowing franchisees and corporate staff to implement improvements or transfer ownership where possible. This timeline provides some buffer for customers and communities to adjust.

Because the chain is keeping details under wraps, there's no way to confirm whether a particular location will close until Wendy's makes an official announcement. Fans should stay alert for local news reports or notices posted at their local restaurants.

What the company has to say

Ken Cook addressed the closures in a conference call, stating that "We are working with our U.S. franchisees to evaluate each and every underperforming restaurant in our system, from both the financial and the customer experience perspective, and developing action plans for how to improve both."

He further explained that some closures are necessary to maintain the overall quality of the brand: "The goal is to address and fix those restaurants," he said, because they "do not elevate the brand and are a drag from a franchisee financial performance perspective."

Cook also highlighted that the company is exploring ways to modernize struggling stores instead of closing them outright, emphasizing improvements in technology, kitchen equipment, and operational efficiency.

How is Wendy's doing financially?

Wendy's has faced challenges in recent quarters. In the first nine months of 2025, U.S. same-store sales fell by 4%, and overall systemwide sales declined 2.6% globally. Revenue for that period dropped to $1.63 billion, with net income down 66% to $138.6 million.

Economic pressures, including inflation and increased dining costs, have affected the chain's ability to attract lower-income customers. Wendy's has attempted to offset this with value-focused promotions, including $5 and $8 meal deals, which have seen some success in bringing foot traffic back to stores.

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Has Wendy's closed locations before?

Yes, Wendy's has a history of closing underperforming locations. In 2024, the company shuttered 140 restaurants in the U.S., citing outdated facilities and declining sales. The 2026 closures are part of a continuation of this approach, with the added goal of modernizing the chain and focusing on long-term profitability.

These closures are not unusual in the fast-food industry. Other major fast food chains, including White Castle and Pizza Hut, periodically review their locations to determine which stores may be underperforming or require renovation.

What customers love most about Wendy's

Despite the closures, Wendy's remains popular for its fresh, made-to-order burgers, signature Frostys, and creative menu items. Customers also appreciate the chain's commitment to high-quality ingredients, including fresh beef, crisp vegetables, and unique flavors that differentiate it from competitors.

The brand's humor and relatability on social media, alongside value-focused menu options, continue to resonate with diners who enjoy both the food and the experience. Many fans remain loyal to Wendy's, even amid the uncertainty surrounding upcoming store closures.

Bottom line

Wendy's plans to close hundreds of U.S. locations through 2026, primarily targeting underperforming restaurants that do not meet the brand's financial or customer experience standards. While no specific locations have been revealed, customers should expect the closures to impact roughly 4 to 6% of all U.S. stores.

These closures are part of a larger strategy to improve long-term profitability, modernize restaurants, and reinvest in the brand. For loyal fans who use Wendy's meal deals to save money on groceries, this may mean fewer locations, but stronger, more modern stores overall.

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