Wendy’s Is Closing Hundreds of Locations This Year, Here’s Why

Good thing Wendy’s has expanded their grocery store offerings, because you might not be able to visit an actual Wendy’s location soon. The chain is reportedly closing up to 350 locations in just the first half of 2026.

Wait, why is Wendy’s closing?

Even though Wendy’s has been making headlines with their new menu items, viral Frostys, and great deals (have you scored your $1 cheeseburger today?) The chain is still experiencing a drop in sales. According to Yahoo Finance, Wendy’s sales fell 10% in the fourth quarter of 2025. So, to maintain profitability, the company is planning on closing between 5% and 6% of its U.S. locations. That comes to somewhere between 298 and 358 restaurants. And that’s just within the first six months of 2026.

How is Wendy’s planning on fixing their problems?

Rather than just admit defeat, Wendy’s does have a strategy to gain back those lost sales. They’re leaning into limited time promotions (see above $1 cheeseburger event) and emphasizing their deals. (They’re not the only ones, lots of new value menus have hit fast food chains this year.)

Is it all going to be okay?

Wendy’s seems confident that its strategy will pan out and that the brand will be able to continue growing internationally. But, just in case, you might want to stock up on a few cans of the brand’s chili, along with their frozen burger patties and bacon. You know, in case your local Wendy’s closes and you simply cannot handle another Baconator-less night.

About the Author

Hi! I’m the editor-in-chief of Sporked. I will never turn down a fresh-shucked oyster but I’ll also leap at whatever new product Reese’s releases and I love a Tostitos Hint of Lime, even if there is no actual lime in the ingredients. Why you should trust me: I have been writing about food and beverages for well over a decade and am an avid at-home cook and snacker. I began my career writing about fine dining and recipes, moved into cocktails and spirits, and now I talk about groceries. If you can eat it or drink it, I’ve probably written about it. What I buy every week: Trader Joe’s dried okra. Appleton Farms prosciutto from Aldi. Some sort of Trader Joe’s cheese (I’m into the aged gouda at the moment). Frozen waffles (usually the Eggo Cinnamon Toast Minis). Spindrift water (loving the Cosmopolitan right now). Favorite ranking: Smoked salmon. Imagine me as Scrooge McDuck but instead of coins I’m diving into a vault of slippery smoked salmon slices. Pure joy. I also found some real steals in that taste test! Least favorite ranking: Canned oysters. I had such high hopes for this but it quickly became a chore. The kitchen smelled like an uncleaned aquarium.