Wendy's is closing 350 underperforming restaurants during 2026, reducing its global footprint by about five to six percent. The chain operates more than 5,830 locations in the United States and over 7,000 worldwide.
CEO Cites Focus on Profitable Growth
In a fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Ken Cook said: “By closing consistently underperforming restaurants, we are enabling our franchisee partners to increase focus on locations with the greatest potential for profitable growth.” He added that closing around six percent of locations under its Project Fresh program will improve profitability and franchisee economics.
Sales Decline Reported
The fast-food chain reported a 5.5% decline in global system-wide sales, driven by a 7.8% decrease in the US in the first quarter.
Recent Closures in Ohio
A store at 4003 Wilmington Pike in Kettering, Ohio, posted a sign reading: “This location is permanently closed.” It is the second store in the Drayton area to shut in the last four months, following a Moraine store that closed in March 2026. Wendy's has not announced any other scheduled closures.
