Wendy’s, the classic American burger chain founded in 1969, announced plans to close several stores as U.S. sales continue to soften. The company says it will balance the closures with new growth initiatives aimed at strengthening its brand and franchise network.
Wendy’s to Close Multiple Store Locations
Wendy’s announced plans to close several U.S. restaurants as part of a broader turnaround strategy. The global system-wide sales decreased by 2.6% on a constant-currency basis, according to its Q3 2025 report.
International sales increased 8.6%, and the company also opened 54 new restaurants throughout the quarter, but the business in the U.S. is still feeling the heat.
In response, Wendy’s said it will close a mid-single-digit percentage of its U.S. locations, which, with roughly 6,000 restaurants nationwide, translates to about 300 closures beginning in late 2025 and extending through 2026.
The closures will primarily target older, underperforming restaurants that have weighed on profitability.
The effort is part of Wendy’s Project Fresh initiative, which emphasizes brand revitalization, operational efficiency, and disciplined capital spending.
During the earnings call, Interim CEO Ken Cook also stated, “We are acting with urgency to execute the operational and brand initiatives to drive AUV growth in the U.S., creating value for our franchisees and shareholders.”
Overview of Wendy’s Third Quarter Results
Wendy’s reported global systemwide sales of $3.5 billion for the quarter ending September 28, 2025. The company paid $40.7 million back to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buy-backs. The net income was at 44.3 million, and adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.1% to 138 million.
The results highlight a slowdown in U.S. same-restaurant sales, while international growth and capital-return initiatives continue to show strength.
Wendy’s is restructuring its U.S. footprint through Project Fresh, which targets underperforming locations. The closures, along with new openings and a renewed focus on brand performance, signal a shift toward a leaner, more efficient operation. Wendy’s appears to be consolidating its U.S. footprint, prioritizing stronger franchise locations as same-store sales face continued pressure.
