Wendy's to Close 5-6% of Locations Nationwide

Chain plans to shutter up to 360 restaurants, including some in Tennessee

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Wendy's announced it will close between 5% and 6% of its nearly 6,000 locations nationwide in 2026 as part of an ongoing downsizing plan. The fast-food chain has struggled with sales challenges in recent years, reporting declines in same-store sales, revenue, and global systemwide sales. In Tennessee, there are currently 167 Wendy's locations, with the largest markets being Memphis and Knoxville.

Why it matters

The Wendy's closures are part of a broader trend of restaurant chains reevaluating their physical footprints as consumer habits and preferences continue to evolve. The planned closures highlight the competitive pressures facing legacy fast-food brands as they adapt to changing market dynamics.

The details

Wendy's interim CEO Ken Cook first announced the planned closures during a November 2025 earnings call, stating that some restaurants "are a drag from a franchisee financial performance perspective." The company has already closed 28 locations in the last quarter of 2025 as part of the 5-6% reduction. The specific restaurants that will be shuttered have not yet been announced, but the closures are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2026.

  • Wendy's first announced the closures in November 2025.
  • The company closed 28 restaurants in the last quarter of 2025.
  • The planned 5-6% reduction in locations is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The players

Wendy's

A major American fast-food restaurant chain known for its square hamburgers, french fries, and Frosty desserts.

Ken Cook

The interim CEO of Wendy's who announced the planned closures during the company's earnings calls.

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What they’re saying

“When we look at the system today, we have some restaurants that do not elevate the brand and are a drag from a franchisee financial performance perspective. The goal is to address and fix those restaurants.”

— Ken Cook, Interim CEO, Wendy's (Columbia Daily Herald)

What’s next

Wendy's has not yet announced which specific locations will be closed as part of the 5-6% reduction. The company plans to start the closures in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The takeaway

The Wendy's closures reflect the ongoing challenges facing legacy fast-food chains as they adapt to changing consumer preferences and increased competition. The planned reductions highlight the need for restaurant brands to continuously evaluate their physical footprint and make strategic decisions to maintain profitability and brand relevance.