Wendy's franchisees closed 289 US locations during the first half of the year, new CEO Bob Wright disclosed on the company's second quarter earnings call. The closures come as US same-restaurant sales plunged 7% in the second quarter, marking the sixth straight quarter of declines, and adjusted operating profits fell 13.2% year over year. Wright acknowledged that sales declines are pressuring franchisee profitability and said the company will take a more targeted approach to closures, helping franchisees shutter underperforming restaurants to improve portfolio health. Bernstein analyst Danilo Gargiulo noted that investors are likely to remain on the sidelines until a quantified turnaround plan is provided, and the company has withdrawn its fiscal 2026 guidance. Wendy's stock has fallen 65% over the past five years.
The Wendy’s CoUS same-restaurant sales plunged 7%, closures and profit decline.
McDonald’s Corporation
Restaurant Brands International Inc
Yum! Brands Inc