Business

Wendy's confirms new list of doomed restaurant closures

One of Wendy's largest franchisees has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is moving ahead with dozens of closures across 15 states. ©Image Credit: Unsplash / Sean Lin

If you're a fan of Wendy's, you won't be happy about this news. Wendy's has announced closures at a handful of its locations in the US, joining an ever-growing list of restaurants that have closed locations and downsized their footprints in 2026.

Franchisee files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The hits keep coming for Wendy's restaurants just weeks after one of its franchisees filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Meritage Hospitality Group has labeled more than 30 locations for closure, beginning with 13 this past weekend.

Meritage Hospitality Group is one of the largest franchisees, making the news all the more impactful. This is now the fourth week in a row that Wendy's has closed restaurants, putting it on a downward trajectory.

“While restaurant decisions occur from time to time, our goal is to preserve operations, improve restaurant performance and position the Wendy’s system for sustainable long-term growth,” Wendy’s said via email.

Closures will happen in various states

The closures aren't concentrated in one state or even one region. Locations on the chopping block include Oklahoma, Georgia, Michigan, Florida, Texas, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

Meritage operated a whopping 314 stores when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has operated the restaurants since the late 1990s.

According to court documents, The Wendy's Company had moved to terminate Meritage's franchise agreement before the bankruptcy filings began. Wendy's main goal is to have as much say as possible over which locations close.

Closures started before the court filings

Meritage had already begun location closures before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, having closed about 60 by that point. It was working to dramatically reduce its footprint.

There's no definitive news about additional closures, but they are almost certain to happen. Meritage's recent court filing shows that its plan is to close underperforming stores to use cash collateral.

Show your location a little love

This may be the perfect time to show your local Wendy's a little love, especially since more locations are likely on the chopping block.

Source: Fast Company

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