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Global fast-food chain, Wendy’s, announced that it will be closing three North Carolina locations after major franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
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Meritage Hospitality Group, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and operates 314 Wendy’s locations across 15 states. The company will close more than 40 locations as part of a bankruptcy agreement, Fast Company originally reported.
“Wendy’s is an iconic brand with exceptional assets,” Bob Wright, president and CEO of The Wendy’s Company said in a press release. “Today we are clearly not performing at our potential. I returned to Wendy’s because I believe we can fix our issues, and I am excited to work with our team and our franchisees to drive a strong turnaround.”
These North Carolina cities were scheduled to lose a Wendy’s location on Friday, Oct. 16. As of Thursday, Oct 22, the locations are no longer listed on Wendy’s website:
In previous weeks, there have been rolling announcements of Wendy’s closures across the country with more to come. Meritage Hospitality Group shuttered over 60 restaurants before filing for bankruptcy, according to Fast Company.
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“We have already begun taking action across five areas that we’ve identified to drive the turnaround: rebuilding a quality menu at compelling value, marketing that drives demand, operational excellence, a digital experience that builds frequency, and restaurants as an engine for growth,” Wright said in a press release.
The News & Observer reported on other food closings in the Triangle area. North Raleigh juice café, Kwench Raleigh, announced on Monday, Oct 12 that it will close indefinitely after a car crashed into the location. In Morrisville, Ruckus Pizza, Pasta and Spirits closed its location on Sunday, Sept. 27, after higher rent and business decline.
This story was originally published October 22, 2026 at 9:55 AM with the headline “National fast food chain closes NC locations after franchisee files bankruptcy.”
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