Wendy’s Plans to Shut Down Hundreds of US Locations Due to Sales Drop

Fast-food giant Wendy’s is set to close hundreds of its U.S. restaurants as part of a strategic shift aimed at enhancing value and addressing declining sales in the domestic market.

During the October to December quarter, Wendy’s reported a significant decline in same-store sales—down 11.3% at locations open for at least one year in the U.S.

While the company had previously announced its intention to close underperforming locations, interim CEO Ken Cook provided further insights during a recent investor call.

WENDY’S INTRODUCES NEW VALUE MENU WITH 3 PRICE TIERS

Wendy’s interim CEO Ken Cook said the company will close 5% to 6% of its restaurants. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Cook revealed that Wendy’s closed 28 locations in the fourth quarter of 2025 and anticipates shutting down 5% to 6% of its 5,959 restaurants, translating to approximately 298 to 358 locations, in the first half of this year.

These closures are part of Wendy’s ongoing turnaround initiative, known as Project Fresh. Launched in October 2025, this strategy aims to “revitalize the brand, reignite growth, [and] accelerate profitability.”

As part of its efforts to regain customer loyalty, Wendy’s is shifting its focus to value, especially as many customers continue to feel the pinch from rising living costs.

THIS FAST-GROWING CHAIN SAYS ‘NO DISCOUNTS’ – AND IT’S PAYING OFF

The fast-food chain closed 28 locations in the fourth quarter of 2025, interim CEO Ken Cook said. (Zamek/Viewpress/Getty Images)

“Learning from 2025 around value, we swung the pendulum too far towards limited-time price promotions instead of everyday value,” Cook stated during the call.

Competitors like McDonald’s have successfully focused on value, reporting a 6.8% increase in U.S. sales during the fourth quarter, marking the largest growth in nearly two years. CEO Chris Kempczinski emphasized the importance of “delivering leadership in value and affordability.”

MCDONALD’S BRINGS BACK EXTRA VALUE MEALS TO LURE BUDGET-CONSCIOUS CUSTOMERS

In January, Wendy’s joined the ranks of its competitors by launching a permanent value menu called “Biggie Deals,” featuring new customization options across three price points: $4, $6, and $8.

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Looking ahead, Cook indicated that 2026 will be a “rebuilding year” for Wendy’s, highlighting the upcoming introduction of a new chicken sandwich and a “cheesy bacon cheeseburger.” He emphasized, “Our focus this year is restoring relevance and rebuilding trust with customers through disciplined execution and marketing.”

Fast-food giant Wendy’s is set to close hundreds of its U.S. restaurants as part of a strategic shift aimed at enhancing value and addressing declining sales in the domestic market.

During the October to December quarter, Wendy’s reported a significant decline in same-store sales—down 11.3% at locations open for at least one year in the U.S.

While the company had previously announced its intention to close underperforming locations, interim CEO Ken Cook provided further insights during a recent investor call.

WENDY’S INTRODUCES NEW VALUE MENU WITH 3 PRICE TIERS

Wendy’s interim CEO Ken Cook said the company will close 5% to 6% of its restaurants. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Cook revealed that Wendy’s closed 28 locations in the fourth quarter of 2025 and anticipates shutting down 5% to 6% of its 5,959 restaurants, translating to approximately 298 to 358 locations, in the first half of this year.

These closures are part of Wendy’s ongoing turnaround initiative, known as Project Fresh. Launched in October 2025, this strategy aims to “revitalize the brand, reignite growth, [and] accelerate profitability.”

As part of its efforts to regain customer loyalty, Wendy’s is shifting its focus to value, especially as many customers continue to feel the pinch from rising living costs.

THIS FAST-GROWING CHAIN SAYS ‘NO DISCOUNTS’ – AND IT’S PAYING OFF

The fast-food chain closed 28 locations in the fourth quarter of 2025, interim CEO Ken Cook said. (Zamek/Viewpress/Getty Images)

“Learning from 2025 around value, we swung the pendulum too far towards limited-time price promotions instead of everyday value,” Cook stated during the call.

Competitors like McDonald’s have successfully focused on value, reporting a 6.8% increase in U.S. sales during the fourth quarter, marking the largest growth in nearly two years. CEO Chris Kempczinski emphasized the importance of “delivering leadership in value and affordability.”

MCDONALD’S BRINGS BACK EXTRA VALUE MEALS TO LURE BUDGET-CONSCIOUS CUSTOMERS

In January, Wendy’s joined the ranks of its competitors by launching a permanent value menu called “Biggie Deals,” featuring new customization options across three price points: $4, $6, and $8.

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

Looking ahead, Cook indicated that 2026 will be a “rebuilding year” for Wendy’s, highlighting the upcoming introduction of a new chicken sandwich and a “cheesy bacon cheeseburger.” He emphasized, “Our focus this year is restoring relevance and rebuilding trust with customers through disciplined execution and marketing.”