From Nation's Restaurant News · · 1m 20s
Wendy's Franchisee Closes 60 Restaurants
A Wendy's franchisee may shut 60 locations by mid-November, deepening the chain's decline.
In brief
A Wendy's franchisee may shut 60 locations by mid-November, deepening the chain's decline. Meritage Hospitality Group, a Wendy's franchisee, could close up to 60 restaurants by mid-November, adding to its 374 locations. Originally reported by Nation's Restaurant News.
Wendy's Franchisee Closes 60 Restaurants
Meritage Hospitality Group, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Wendy's franchisee, could close up to 60 restaurants by mid-November.
Current Closures
The company has closed 33 restaurants since late September, including 13 in the past week.
Total Impact
This brings the total closures to 120 locations, from 374 initially operated by the franchisee.
Financial Strain
The restaurants closed generate low average unit volumes, with some making less than $900,000 annually.
Negative EBITDA
Each closed location generates negative EBITDA, with some losing nearly $200,000 over the past year.
Wendy's Overall Decline
Wendy's has closed more than 300 locations since 2024, including 245 net closures in the first half of 2026.
Bankruptcy Strategy
Meritage closed locations in groups to improve profitability, as lenders seek to preserve cash from money-losing stores.
Wendy's Leadership
Wendy's hired Bob Wright as CEO and Tariq Hassan as chief marketing officer this year to address challenges.
What Happens Next
Meritage may close up to 60 additional restaurants by mid-November, worsening the chain's financial situation.
The big picture
Meritage Hospitality Group, a Wendy's franchisee, could close up to 60 restaurants by mid-November, adding to its 374 locations.
