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Wendy’s to Close 200–350 U.S. Restaurants Through 2026

Management casts the plan as a system-strengthening reset that shifts franchisee investment to healthier restaurants.

Overview

  • The reductions target underperforming U.S. locations, with specific sites not yet disclosed.
  • Interim CEO Ken Cook said the cut equals a mid-single-digit share of roughly 6,000 domestic restaurants.
  • Closures start this year and continue through 2026 as part of a restructuring plan.
  • Management expects the move to free franchisee capital and lift sales and profitability at nearby units.
  • Wendy’s reported a 4.7% drop in U.S. same-store sales as rivals drew customers with promotions, even as its new “Tendys” chicken tenders saw strong early demand.