Columbus, Ohio – Wendy’s, the fast-food chain known for its square-shaped burgers, plans to close 140 of its underperforming restaurants in the United States by the end of this year. This decision comes in addition to the 100 locations the company announced it would shut down back in May. Despite these closures, Wendy’s aims to offset the loss by opening between 250 and 300 new restaurants throughout the year.

During a recent conference call with investors, Wendy’s President and CEO, Kirk Tanner, highlighted that the restaurants being closed do not align with the company’s brand goals. Tanner emphasized the importance of maintaining modern and customer-friendly establishments to enhance the overall dining experience. While Wendy’s did not disclose the specific locations of the restaurants set for closure, Tanner mentioned that they are scattered across the country.

With a total of 7,292 restaurants, the majority of which are in the US, Wendy’s remains focused on improving and expanding its network by opening new, more successful establishments. The company’s decision to close some locations reflects a shift towards prioritizing quality over quantity to ensure customer satisfaction and brand consistency.

The closure of these establishments is part of a broader trend in the restaurant industry, with other chains like Denny’s and Red Lobster also announcing plans to shutter locations in response to changing consumer preferences and economic challenges. Despite facing some stagnation in sales growth, Wendy’s optimistic outlook on the future is evidenced by its plans for strategic expansion and enhancement of the overall customer experience. In a competitive market, adaptability and innovation remain key for businesses to thrive and meet the evolving demands of consumers.