Wendy's Shutting Down Locations in Southern Indiana

Closures part of company's 'Project Fresh' initiative to eliminate underperforming restaurants.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:13pm

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Several Wendy's restaurants in southern Indiana, including locations in Princeton, Huntingburg, Ferdinand, Dale, and Evansville, have closed or are expected to close this week as part of the company's 'Project Fresh' initiative to eliminate underperforming or outdated restaurants across the country.

Why it matters

Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, and the Princeton, Indiana location was in Thomas' hometown. The closures reflect broader challenges facing the fast-food industry as it navigates changing consumer preferences and economic conditions.

The details

Under the 'Project Fresh' plan, Wendy's is expected to close between 300 and 500 locations nationwide during the first half of 2026 as the company works to eliminate underperforming or outdated restaurants.

  • The Wendy's closures in southern Indiana are expected to happen this week.

The players

Wendy's

A major American fast-food restaurant chain founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio.

Dave Thomas

The founder of Wendy's, who opened the first restaurant in Columbus, Ohio in 1969.

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The takeaway

The Wendy's closures in southern Indiana are part of a broader effort by the company to streamline its operations and eliminate underperforming locations, reflecting the challenges facing the fast-food industry as consumer preferences and economic conditions evolve.