By Sara Beth Williams–
Fast-food chain The Wendy’s Company plans to close hundreds of underperforming restaurants across the United States during the first half of 2026. So far, no list of affected restaurant locations has been released.
According to company executives, the closures are part of a broader effort to improve profitability and strengthen stronger-performing locations, a March 17 Business Insider report states.
During a Feb. 13 earnings call, interim CEO Ken Cook told investors the company expects to close five to six percent of its nearly 6,000 U.S. restaurants, amounting to an estimated 300 to 360 closures nationwide. Cook said the closures are aimed at “consistently underperforming restaurants.”
The company closed 28 restaurants during the final quarter of 2025 and expects remaining closures to occur during the first half of this year, according to company statements.
In Citrus Heights, Wendy’s currently operates two locations at 6435 Antelope Rd, and 7983 Greenback Ln. Both Wendy’s location are still open and operating normal business hours.
The announcement of impending closures come as the national fast food chain reports weaker sales compared with competitors. Company earnings showed U.S. same-store sales fell 11 percent during the fourth quarter of 2025, while global systemwide sales dropped three and a half percent for the full year, reports say.
In March, the Citrus Heights City Council recently approved an Economic Development and Participation Agreement with The Mettle Shop in hopes of bringing a Sports Center to the former Macy’s Men’s building on the Sunrise Mall property. The new sports complex is to be located across the street from the Wendy’s on Greenback Lane, proposed development maps show.
Wendy’s locations in Citrus Heights remain open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
