Wendy’s is planning to close approximately 300 underperforming locations over the next year in an effort to enhance its brand image and profitability. This announcement was made by Interim Chief Executive Officer Ken Cook during a conference with analysts on Friday. According to Cook, these closures represent only a small fraction of the fast-food chain’s 6,000 U.S. locations.
Cook emphasized that the decision to close “consistently underperforming” outlets is intended to prevent them from negatively affecting the overall Wendy’s brand. He explained that these strategic actions will bolster the company’s operational efficiency and allow franchisees to reinvest in their more successful restaurants, thereby improving sales and profitability in the surrounding areas.
The closures will commence soon and extend into the following year. This move is reminiscent of Wendy’s strategy last year when the company shuttered 140 restaurants for similar reasons. Despite these efforts, Wendy’s reported a 4.7% decline in sales during the third quarter of 2025, contrasting with revenue gains observed by competitors like Burger King, McDonald’s, and Shake Shack during the same period.
Looking ahead, Cook noted that the remaining Wendy’s locations will benefit from upgrades in equipment and technology, with some locations also transitioning to new ownership. However, Wendy’s has not yet released a specific list of locations slated for closure or provided details regarding the distribution of closures across different states.
This proactive approach reflects Wendy’s commitment to revitalizing its brand and improving the experience for customers at its remaining restaurants, aiming for a brighter future in the competitive fast-food landscape.