One Of America's Biggest Fast Food Chains Is Closing Hundreds Of Restaurants
Fast food chains across the U.S. have struggled recently, impacted by shifts toward healthier eating and rising meal costs. The industry has seen significant setbacks in 2025, with multiple major brands reducing their footprint.
Industry Decline and Chain Closures
- Jack in the Box and Starbucks have shuttered hundreds of stores.
- KFC, Del Taco, and Pizza Hut have reported declining sales.
- 2024 was particularly harsh for sit-down restaurants, with several major chains declaring bankruptcy.
Wendy’s Store Closures Announced
Wendy’s is now joining the trend of closing locations. Interim CEO Ken Cook revealed during the company’s Q3 earnings call that Wendy’s plans to close a "mid single-digit percentage" of its total U.S. stores, which was confirmed by CNN.
With just over 5,900 U.S. locations at the end of 2024, this closure estimate suggests around 300 restaurants will shut down, following 140 closures in 2024.
"Wendy’s as a whole is healthy, and a smaller percentage of underperforming stores were dragging down the brand."
— Ken Cook, Interim CEO
Plans for Improvement
The chain aims to renovate existing stores and integrate new technology to boost sales at struggling locations.
Summary: Wendy’s plans to close about 300 underperforming restaurants but remains optimistic about the brand’s overall health while focusing on renovations and technology upgrades.
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