Wendy's Closes Hundreds of US Restaurants, Focuses on Value Offerings

The fast-food chain aims to turn around falling sales with a renewed emphasis on affordable menu items.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Wendy's is closing between 298 to 358 underperforming U.S. restaurants, or 5-6% of its total locations, in the first half of 2026 after a weaker-than-expected fourth quarter. The company's global same-store sales fell 10% in Q4, worse than the expected 8.5% drop. To win back inflation-weary customers, Wendy's plans to emphasize value offerings like its new 'Biggie Deals' menu with $4, $6, and $8 options.

Why it matters

Wendy's restaurant closures and shift to value-focused strategy reflect broader challenges facing the fast-food industry as consumers tighten budgets amid high inflation. The company's struggles underscore the need for established chains to adapt their menus and operations to changing customer preferences and economic conditions.

The details

Wendy's already closed 28 restaurants in Q4 2025 and ended the year with 5,969 U.S. locations. The company plans to shutter between 298 to 358 additional U.S. restaurants, or 5-6% of its domestic footprint, in the first half of 2026. This comes after Wendy's closed 240 U.S. locations in 2024, citing outdated restaurant designs. To win back customers, Wendy's is emphasizing value offerings like its new 'Biggie Deals' menu with $4, $6, and $8 options, in addition to new product launches like a revamped chicken sandwich.

  • Wendy's closed 28 restaurants in Q4 2025.
  • Wendy's ended 2025 with 5,969 U.S. locations.
  • Wendy's plans to close 298 to 358 additional U.S. restaurants, or 5-6% of its domestic footprint, in the first half of 2026.
  • Wendy's closed 240 U.S. locations in 2024.

The players

Wendy's

A 57-year-old fast-food restaurant chain headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.

Ken Cook

Wendy's interim CEO and chief financial officer.

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What they’re saying

“One learning from 2025 around value, we swung the pendulum too far towards limited-time price promotions instead of everyday value.”

— Ken Cook, Wendy's interim CEO and chief financial officer (Conference call with investors)

What’s next

Wendy's said it expects global systemwide sales to be flat this year as it works to turn around its U.S. business through restaurant closures and a renewed focus on value offerings.

The takeaway

Wendy's restaurant closures and shift to value-focused strategy reflect the broader challenges facing the fast-food industry as consumers tighten budgets amid high inflation. The company's struggles underscore the need for established chains to adapt their menus and operations to changing customer preferences and economic conditions in order to remain competitive.