Wendy's to Close Around 300 More U.S. Locations

Fast food chain to focus more on value offerings amid weaker-than-expected Q4 sales.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Wendy's announced plans to close between 298 and 358 of its U.S. restaurants, or 5-6% of its total locations, in the first half of 2026. The closures come after the company shuttered 240 U.S. restaurants in 2024. Wendy's cited underperforming sales, with global same-store sales falling 10% in Q4 2025, worse than the expected 8.5% drop. To win back inflation-weary customers, Wendy's will emphasize value offerings like its new 'Biggie Deals' menu.

Why it matters

Wendy's struggles reflect broader challenges facing the fast food industry, as chains work to adapt to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions. The planned closures highlight the need for established brands to continuously evolve their offerings and strategies to remain competitive.

The details

Wendy's expects to close between 298 and 358 U.S. locations, or 5-6% of its total, in the first half of 2026. This comes after the company shuttered 240 U.S. restaurants in 2024. Wendy's cited weaker-than-expected Q4 2025 results, with global same-store sales falling 10% versus an expected 8.5% drop. To win back customers, Wendy's will focus more on value offerings like its new 'Biggie Deals' menu with $4, $6, and $8 price tiers, as well as new product launches including a new 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 U.S. locations, or 5-6% of its total, in the first half of 2026.
  • Wendy's previously closed 240 U.S. locations in 2024.

The players

Wendy's

A major American fast food restaurant chain headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.

Ken Cook

Wendy's interim CEO and chief financial officer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 its turnaround plans and international growth will help arrest its sales slide in 2026, with the company expecting global systemwide sales to be flat this year after a 3.5% decline in 2025.

The takeaway

Wendy's planned restaurant closures and renewed focus on value offerings underscore the ongoing challenges facing the fast food industry as it navigates changing consumer preferences and economic conditions. The company's actions highlight the need for established brands to continuously evolve their strategies to remain competitive.