Wendy's to Close Hundreds of Locations Nationwide in 2026

It's unclear if any Wisconsin restaurants will be impacted by the planned closures.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Wendy's has announced plans to shutter 5% to 6% of its roughly 5,969 U.S. locations during the first half of 2026, resulting in the closure of 300 to 600 stores nationwide. The fast-food chain has 57 locations in Wisconsin, but a spokesperson said a list of affected restaurants has not yet been made available.

Why it matters

The planned Wendy's closures are part of a broader trend of restaurant chains optimizing their footprints in response to shifting consumer behaviors and economic conditions. While the full impact on Wisconsin is unknown, the closures could affect jobs, real estate, and dining options in communities across the state.

The details

Wendy's Interim CEO Ken Cook announced the planned closures during the company's November 2025 earnings call. The closures are expected to take place in the first half of 2026 and come after 28 restaurant closures in the last quarter of 2025.

  • Wendy's announced the planned closures during a November 7, 2025 earnings call.
  • The closures are expected to occur in the first half of 2026.
  • There were 28 Wendy's restaurant closures in the last quarter of 2025.

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 an earnings call.

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What they’re saying

“The closures were first announced during a Nov. 7 earnings call by Interim CEO Ken Cook, USA TODAY reported.”

— Ken Cook, Interim CEO (USA TODAY)

What’s next

A list of specific Wendy's locations that will be closed has not yet been made available by the company.

The takeaway

The planned Wendy's closures reflect broader challenges facing the restaurant industry, including shifting consumer preferences and economic pressures. While the full impact on Wisconsin is unclear, the closures underscore the need for communities to diversify their local economies and support small businesses.