Wendy’s franchisee Meritage Hospitality Group plans further closures amid bankruptcy
Michigan-based Wendy’s franchisee Meritage Hospitality Group is seeking court approval to close up to 60 additional locations as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Meritage Hospitality Group, a major Wendy’s franchisee, filed a request in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan to shutter between 20 and 60 restaurants. This move follows the company’s Chapter 11 filing on September 17, 2026, which initiated a restructuring of its remaining operations.
Since the start of its bankruptcy process, Meritage has already closed 33 locations across nine states to satisfy lender requirements for continued liquidity. These closures follow a broader consolidation effort that saw roughly 60 stores shut down beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025 due to sustained underperformance.
The specific locations targeted in the latest filing remain undisclosed, with the company expected to provide further details as the court process progresses. With the proposed closures, Meritage stands to reduce its restaurant footprint by nearly one-third compared to the 314 locations it managed at the time of its initial bankruptcy petition.
The ongoing restructuring highlights the financial pressures facing large-scale restaurant franchisees amid changing market conditions. The company continues to navigate court oversight as it seeks to stabilize its remaining business operations.