Wendy's Franchisee Closes More Locations Amid Bankruptcy

Meritage Hospitality Group, a significant franchisee for Wendy's, has permanently closed 13 more restaurant locations as of Friday. This latest round of closures is part of an ongoing effort by the embattled operator to shutter loss-making sites after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 17.

The newly closed restaurants are situated across seven states: Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Texas. These additions bring the total number of Meritage-operated Wendy's locations closed since late September to 33. Court documents indicate further closures are anticipated through mid-November.

Prior to its bankruptcy petition, Michigan-based Meritage Hospitality Group operated 314 Wendy's restaurants across 15 states, making it one of the largest franchisees in the system. The company, which employs approximately 9,000 people, has not specified the impact of these closures on its workforce.

The Wendy's Company has stated its focus is on keeping as many restaurants operational as possible during this period. Records show the parent company had sought to terminate Meritage's franchise agreement before the bankruptcy filing and is now aiming to exert greater control over the future of its locations.