After months of disappointing sales and waning customer traffic, Wendy’s — one of America’s best-known fast-food chains — has confirmed plans to close a significant number of restaurants across the United States over the coming months. The move is part of a major effort to restructure the company amid changing consumer habits and rising costs.
Wendy’s Plans to Close 5–6% of U.S. Stores
The Dublin, Ohio-based burger chain has announced it will shutter roughly 5% to 6% of its U.S. restaurants — roughly 298 to 358 locations — in early 2026 as part of a broader turnaround plan dubbed “Project Fresh.” The closures follow a disappointing 2025 performance in which the company saw same-store sales slide sharply and customer traffic fall.
Executives say the closures will mainly target underperforming or outdated restaurants that aren’t generating sufficient profit or customer activity, while allowing stronger locations to better serve local markets.
What It Could Mean for Long Island
While Wendy’s has not released a specific list of closures, local data shows the chain operates a significant footprint across the region — with 51 Wendy’s restaurants on Long Island alone.
That figure includes locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, from busy corridors in Massapequa and Levittown to neighborhood spots in Huntington, Commack, and Bay Shore. If even a small percentage of Wendy’s national closures hit Long Island, it could mean multiple local restaurants shutting down in the months ahead — though the company has not confirmed which specific restaurants will be affected.
Local franchise owners here and across the New York region are bracing for the impact, but many community diners say they’re waiting to hear if and when their favorite neighborhood Wendy’s might be on the list. Historically, Wendy’s has chosen to close restaurants where sales lag significantly behind corporate performance benchmarks, leaving busier locations intact.
Impact on Workers and Customers
Closures at Wendy’s often mean job losses or transfers for restaurant employees, which could affect workers across the Island if Long Island locations are among those chosen for shutdown. In addition, diners who count on Wendy’s for quick meals — particularly value-oriented customers — may need to adjust to having fewer nearby options.
To attract back customers amid the slowdown, the company has also rolled out new value pricing tiers and menu promotions aimed at boosting everyday appeal.
A Broader Trend in Fast Food
Wendy’s isn’t alone. Across the U.S., major restaurant chains are reevaluating their physical footprints as competition intensifies and consumer habits shift. For Wendy’s, executives say focusing investment on higher-performing restaurants — including updated formats and enhanced digital services — will position the brand better for the long haul, even if it means fewer overall locations.