Wendy’s to Close Hundreds of Stores by Mid-2026
Wendy’s announced plans to close hundreds of stores as part of its turnaround strategy, which aims to enhance overall profitability and performance. The fast-food chain indicated that it would shut down between 5% and 6% of its U.S. restaurants in the first half of 2026. This decision comes after the company closed 28 locations in the fourth quarter of the previous year.
Details of the Store Closures
According to interim CEO Ken Cook, the company had 5,969 U.S. restaurant locations at the end of the last year. The closures target locations that consistently underperform. Franchisees will instead be able to concentrate their efforts on more profitable outlets.
Impact on Sales
- Same-store sales fell by 11.3% in the last quarter of 2025.
- Overall, same-store sales dropped by 5.6% for the entire year.
Wendy’s acknowledges that its heavy reliance on limited-time promotions may have contributed to the sales slump. To counter this, the chain is redirecting its focus toward offering better everyday value to attract consumers.
New Product Offerings
In January, Wendy’s expanded its Biggie meal options, aiming to cater to budget-conscious clients. The new offerings include:
- $4 Biggie Bites
- $6 Biggie Bag
- $8 Biggie Bundle
These changes aim to appeal to customers who are cutting back on dining out due to inflation. Additionally, Wendy’s recently launched chicken tenders, branded as “Tendys,” which have reportedly performed well despite the declining sales figures.
Future Outlook
The company has not yet disclosed specific details about which restaurants will be affected by the closures. As Wendy’s moves forward, the emphasis will be on enhancing its offerings and optimizing operations to improve its market position.
