Overview
- Wendy’s appointed Bob Wright as president and CEO, with interim leader Ken Cook staying on as chief financial officer.
- Wright previously led Potbelly and held senior posts at Wendy’s, Domino’s, and Charleys Philly Steaks.
- The company plans to shut 5% to 6% of U.S. restaurants in the first half of 2026, after closing 28 in late 2025 and 240 across 2024, ending last year with 5,969 domestic locations.
- Same-store sales have fallen for five straight quarters, including a 10% global drop in the October to December period, prompting a shift to everyday value instead of short-lived promotions.
- Reports say Nelson Peltz’s Trian is seeking funding to take the company private, as the stock is down about 35% over the past year to a market value near $1.55 billion.