One of America's Biggest Fast Food Chains Is Closing Hundreds of Restaurants
Fast food chains in the United States are facing challenging times as consumers turn to healthier options and rising food costs take a toll on sales. Several major brands have been affected by this ongoing downturn in the industry.
In 2025, headlines have reflected the struggles of iconic outlets like Jack-in-the-Box and Starbucks, which both announced closures of hundreds of locations. Other chains such as KFC, Del Taco, and Pizza Hut have also reported noticeable drops in sales.
This trend continues from 2024, a difficult year for many sit-down restaurant chains, when numerous well-known names declared bankruptcy within months of each other.
Wendy’s Latest Announcement
Wendy’s is now the latest major player to downsize its footprint. During the company’s Q3 earnings call, interim CEO Ken Cook revealed that Wendy’s plans to close a “mid single-digit percentage” of its U.S. restaurants.
“Wendy’s is looking to close a mid single-digit percentage of its total stores,” said interim CEO Ken Cook, according to CNN.
Since the company ended 2024 with about 5,900 U.S. locations, this figure suggests that roughly 300 restaurants could soon be shuttered. This decision follows a smaller contraction in the previous year, when Wendy’s shut down 140 branches.
Future Outlook
Despite these closures, Cook remains optimistic about the overall health of the brand. He emphasized that only a small number of underperforming stores are negatively affecting performance. The company plans to renovate several outlets and introduce new technology aimed at boosting sales and improving customer experience in weaker markets.
Summary
Wendy’s will close around 300 U.S. restaurants amid industry decline, focusing on upgrades and technology to strengthen its remaining locations.