Wendy’s to Close Hundreds of Locations: Will Massachusetts Be Affected?

If you’re looking to grab a Baconator and Frosty this spring, be prepared for potential Wendy’s closures, though Massachusetts may be spared. The swift-food chain is undergoing a significant restructuring, closing hundreds of U.S. Locations during the first half of 2026.

Wendy’s Closure Plan Details

Wendy’s is planning to close 300-600, or 5-6%, of its U.S. Locations during the first half of 2026, the company announced in November 2025 according to USA TODAY. As part of the reduction, 28 restaurants were closed during the last quarter of 2025, Interim CEO Ken Cook said in a February 13, 2026 earnings call.

Impact on Massachusetts Locations

The fast-food chain currently has 98 locations throughout Massachusetts according to its website. Wendy’s has not stated whether any Massachusetts locations will be closing.

Reasons for the Closures

The move is part of a push to mitigate recent financial challenges facing the company, Interim CEO Ken Cook explained in the February 13, 2026 earnings call. “By closing consistently underperforming restaurants, we are enabling our franchisee partners to increase focus on locations with the greatest potential for profitable growth,” Cook said. The company began evaluating restaurants on a store-by-store basis after the initial announcement in November 2025.

Wendy’s struggled with sales compared to some of its competitors in 2025, reporting an 11.3% decrease in same-store sales – revenue generated by stores open for at least a year – and an 8.3% loss in global systemwide sales in Q4. Global systemwide sales were down 3.5% overall in 2025, and same-store sales were down 5.6%.

Wendy’s Leadership and Strategy

Ken Cook has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of The Wendy’s Company since July 2025 and also holds the position of Chief Financial Officer according to Wendy’s website. He played a major role in developing Wendy’s long-term growth strategy.

Company Overview

Wendy’s is an American fast-food restaurant chain founded in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio according to its website. The company has expanded over several decades, growing to thousands of locations, including internationally, and widening its menu.

Key Takeaways

• Wendy’s is closing 300-600 U.S. Locations in the first half of 2026.
• Massachusetts currently has 98 Wendy’s locations.
• No Massachusetts locations have been announced for closure as of March 4, 2026.
• The closures are part of a plan to improve financial performance by focusing on higher-performing locations.