One of America's Largest Fast Food Chains Plans Hundreds of Closures
Fast food chains across the U.S. are struggling, impacted by shifts toward healthier eating and rising meal costs. This year, several major brands have faced store closures and sales declines.
Industry Challenges and Recent Closures
2025 has highlighted the difficulties in the fast food sector, with companies like Jack-in-the-Box and Starbucks shutting hundreds of locations. Other well-known chains such as KFC, Del Taco, and Pizza Hut have reported falling sales figures.
The struggles extend beyond fast food, as the sit-down restaurant segment endured a tough 2024, marked by numerous bankruptcies among popular chains.
Wendy's to Close About 300 Locations
Wendy's recently announced it will close a "mid single-digit percentage" of its stores, according to interim CEO Ken Cook during the Q3 earnings call reported by CNN. With over 5,900 U.S. locations at the end of 2024, this suggests approximately 300 closures.
This follows last year's reduction of 140 locations. Cook remains optimistic, stating that Wendy's overall remains strong, and that only a small percentage of underperforming stores have been weighing down the brand.
Plans for Renovations and Technology Upgrades
The chain aims to refresh its stores and introduce new technology to boost sales at locations facing difficulties.
"Wendy's is looking to close a 'mid single-digit percentage' of its total stores," said interim CEO Ken Cook.
Author's summary: Despite industry-wide challenges, Wendy's plans targeted closures and store improvements to strengthen its brand and sales performance in a changing fast food market.
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