Wendy’s to Close 200–300 U.S. Outlets While Adding 62 New Mexico Restaurants
Wendy’s plans to close 200–300 underperforming U.S. restaurants and has finalized franchise deals to open 62 new locations across Mexico’s Mexico City region, Hidalgo, Morelos, Sinaloa and Durango over coming years. Its international same-store sales rose 6.2% in Q4 as Mexico’s burger QSR market reached $2.4 billion.
1. U.S. Restaurant Closures
Wendy’s is identifying 200 to 300 underperforming restaurants in the United States for closure as part of a portfolio optimization strategy.
2. Franchise Deal with AJ Group
The company finalized an agreement with AJ Group to develop 50 new Wendy’s restaurants in Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Hidalgo and Morelos, with the first Mexico City location slated to open this year.
3. Franchise Deal with WS Pacific
A second franchise agreement with WS Pacific will deliver 12 new Wendy’s restaurants across Sinaloa and Durango, targeting an inaugural opening by year-end to expand presence in northern Mexico.
4. International Growth Metrics
Wendy’s international division reported a 6.2% same-store sales increase in Q4, 59 new international openings, net unit growth of 121 restaurants in 2025 and noted Mexico’s burger QSR market hit $2.4 billion in 2024.