Wendy's Announces Nationwide Downsizing, Mum on Connecticut Closures

Fast-food chain won't reveal which of its 51 Connecticut locations may shut down as part of broader U.S. pullback.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Wendy's, the fast-food restaurant known for its 'Where's the Beef?' ads, announced plans to close several hundred locations across the United States. However, the company has not disclosed which of its 51 Connecticut restaurants may be impacted by the downsizing.

Why it matters

The Wendy's closures are part of a broader industry trend of restaurant chains reevaluating their footprints amid economic headwinds. The lack of transparency around which Connecticut locations may shutter leaves local communities and employees uncertain about the future.

The details

Wendy's said it has already closed 28 restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2025 and expects to close between 5% and 6% of its U.S. locations, or 298 to 358 restaurants, in the first half of 2026. The company cited weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter sales as a driver for the downsizing. In Connecticut, Wendy's has restaurants throughout the state, from Windsor Locks to New Haven, but the company has not provided any specifics on which locations may be impacted.

  • Wendy's closed 28 restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • Wendy's expects to close between 5% and 6% of its U.S. locations, or 298 to 358 restaurants, in the first half of 2026.

The players

Wendy's

A fast-food restaurant chain known for its 'Where's the Beef?' advertising campaign. Wendy's is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio and has 51 locations listed in Connecticut.

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The takeaway

The lack of transparency from Wendy's around which Connecticut locations may close as part of its nationwide downsizing leaves local communities and employees uncertain about the future. This is part of a broader industry trend of restaurant chains reevaluating their footprints amid economic challenges.