Wendy's to Close Hundreds of Locations Nationwide

Massachusetts has nearly 100 Wendy's restaurants, but their fate remains uncertain.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The popular fast-food burger chain Wendy's has announced plans to close between 300 and 350 of its locations across the United States as part of a 'Project Fresh' initiative to boost profitability. While some closures have been announced in other states, the impact on Wendy's nearly 100 restaurants in Massachusetts remains unclear.

Why it matters

Wendy's is one of the most popular fast-food burger chains in Massachusetts, with almost 100 locations statewide. The potential closure of a significant number of these restaurants could impact jobs, consumer choices, and the overall fast-food landscape in the state.

The details

As part of its 'Project Fresh' initiative, Wendy's plans to close between 300 and 350 underperforming locations nationwide, which would account for approximately 6% of its domestic footprint. The company previously closed 240 stores in 2024 and is now targeting additional closures before the middle of 2026. CEO Ken Cook stated the goal is to remove underperforming locations and focus on building, renovating, and investing in more profitable, modern restaurants.

  • Wendy's previously closed 240 stores in 2024 as part of 'Project Fresh'.
  • The company plans to close an additional 300-350 locations before mid-2026.

The players

Wendy's

A popular fast-food burger chain with nearly 100 locations in Massachusetts.

Ken Cook

The CEO of Wendy's, who announced the 'Project Fresh' initiative to close underperforming locations and invest in more profitable, modern restaurants.

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What’s next

The specific impact on Wendy's locations in Massachusetts remains to be seen, as the company has not yet announced which individual restaurants will be closed.

The takeaway

The potential closure of a significant number of Wendy's locations in Massachusetts could reshape the state's fast-food landscape, impacting jobs and consumer choices. However, the company's focus on modernizing and investing in more profitable restaurants may ultimately benefit the brand's long-term presence in the state.