Wendy’s — one of America’s best-known fast food chains — has announced plans to close a significant number of restaurants across the United States as part of a broader effort to strengthen its business amid falling domestic sales.
The Dublin, Ohio–based company reported that it already closed dozens of U.S. locations late in 2025 and now expects to shutter roughly 5 % to 6 % of its U.S. restaurants — approximately 298 to 358 stores — in the first half of 2026. That figure equates to about six out of every 100 Wendy’s locations nationwide. The closures were revealed during the company’s latest earnings call as part of a turnaround plan known internally as “Project Fresh.”
Wendy’s has attributed the decision to a mix of weak same-store sales in the U.S. market and the need to focus resources on higher-performing restaurants and new product strategies. In the fourth quarter, sales at U.S. locations lagged behind expectations, prompting Wendy’s leadership to emphasize value offerings and operational improvements going forward.
While the company has confirmed the overall closure plans, Wendy’s has not released a specific list of affected locations or said which restaurants may be shuttered. That means customers and employees at individual stores across the country — including here in Northeast Georgia — do not yet know whether their local restaurant is on the list.
Habersham News has reached out to Wendy’s corporate communications team to ask whether the Wendy’s in Cornelia, Georgia, will be among the restaurants closing this year. As of press time, we have not yet received a response from the company.
Here in Cornelia, the Wendy’s restaurant has been a fixture of the local dining scene for decades. It first opened its doors on November 11, 1985, serving generations of residents and travelers alike with the chain’s signature square-patty burgers and Frosty treats. Its long history in the community has made the Cornelia location a familiar stop for many local families, office workers, and students.
As Wendy’s moves forward with its restructuring plans, many communities around the country are watching closely to see which locations will be impacted. In the interim, customers and employees are left waiting for more detailed information from Wendy’s corporate leadership.
Habersham News will update readers with any official confirmation about the Cornelia restaurant’s status as more information becomes available.
