Wendy's, the global fast-food chain, is set to shutter 140 of its restaurants across the United States before the year concludes. As the third-largest burger chain in the country, Wendy's has conducted a thorough evaluation of its individual outlets to assess profitability and ensure they deliver the distinct Wendy's experience to customers.
Kirk Tanner, the company's president, stated that the decision to close approximately 140 locations stems from their outdated nature and placement in "underperforming commercial areas." Tanner mentioned that these closures were initially projected for 2025, 2026, and 2027. However, he did not specify the exact locations of these restaurants.
During an earnings call, Tanner elaborated that over time, many of these closed units will be replaced with new restaurants situated in more advantageous locations, promising improved sales and profitability. Despite these forthcoming closures, Wendy's has opened over 500 new outlets nationwide in the past two years and remains optimistic about achieving substantial growth in 2025 and beyond.
Expanding Menu and Recent Collaborations
Wendy's offers a diverse menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes. With more than 6,480 locations across the United States, it ranks just behind industry giants McDonald's and Burger King.
In October, Wendy's partnered with Paramount to introduce the Krabby Patty burger and Pineapple Under the Sea ice cream in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. Upcoming menu items include a new salted caramel Frosty and the return of the bacon mushroom cheeseburger.