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Dublin Today
By the People, for the People
Wendy's to Close Hundreds of Restaurants Nationwide
The fast-food chain plans to shutter around 300 underperforming U.S. locations as part of a major brand revitalization effort.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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Wendy's, the fast-food chain known for its square burgers, chili, baked potatoes, and Frosty desserts, announced it will close approximately 300 restaurants across the U.S. next year as part of its 'Project Fresh' turnaround plan to improve profitability. The company, headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, said the closures will affect about 5-6% of its 5,600 U.S. locations.
Why it matters
The Wendy's closures reflect broader challenges facing the fast-food industry, including labor shortages, rising costs, and changing consumer preferences. The brand revitalization effort aims to position Wendy's as an industry leader by investing in customer experience, store efficiency, and growth potential while shuttering underperforming locations.
The details
As part of 'Project Fresh,' Wendy's has hired industry consultancy Creed UnCo, led by former Taco Bell and Yum! Brands CEO Greg Creed, to guide the brand's revitalization. In addition to the store closures, the company is rethinking its labor and operating hours while investing in customer experience and store efficiency initiatives.
- Wendy's closed 28 locations in the final few months of 2025.
- The company plans to shut down about 5% to 6% of its U.S. restaurants, roughly 300 stores, in 2026.
The players
Wendy's
A fast-food chain known for its square burgers, chili, baked potatoes, and Frosty desserts, with over 7,000 restaurants worldwide and about 5,600 in the U.S.
Greg Creed
The former CEO of Taco Bell and Yum! Brands, who is now leading the industry consultancy Creed UnCo that is guiding Wendy's brand revitalization effort.
Art Winkleblack
The Chairman of Wendy's Board of Directors, who stated that the company's management team is dissatisfied with the current valuations and hopes the 'Project Fresh' plan will position Wendy's as the industry leader.
Ken Cook
Wendy's Interim CEO, who said he is encouraged by the results of 'Project Fresh' so far in the latest fourth-quarter announcement.
What they’re saying
“Wendy's Board of Directors and management team are dissatisfied with the current valuations of the Company.”
— Art Winkleblack, Chairman of the Board (Wendy's)
“Wendy's 'Project Fresh' will position Wendy's as the industry leader — one that guests love, franchisees are proud to operate, teams are excited to be part of, and creates significant value for our shareholders.”
— Art Winkleblack, Chairman of the Board (Wendy's)
What’s next
Wendy's 'Project Fresh' revitalization plan is currently underway, with the company expected to provide more details on the specific restaurant closures and investments in the coming months.
The takeaway
The Wendy's closures highlight the ongoing challenges facing the fast-food industry, as companies like Wendy's work to adapt to changing consumer preferences, rising costs, and labor shortages. The brand's 'Project Fresh' revitalization effort aims to position Wendy's for long-term success by closing underperforming locations and investing in customer experience, efficiency, and growth potential.
