Wendy’s is facing a major shake-up in Florida after one of its largest U.S. franchise operators, Meritage Hospitality Group, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following the closure of dozens of underperforming restaurants.
Meritage operates hundreds of Wendy’s locations across multiple states and says its restaurants are expected to remain open while the company restructures its finances. The bankruptcy filing does not involve The Wendy’s Company itself.
Florida has been particularly affected. At least 42 Wendy’s restaurants across the state had closed between August 2025 and May 2026, according to a review of restaurant listings.
Several of the affected locations were connected to WenSouth, including restaurants in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee and Miami.
Does the bankruptcy mean all Wendy’s restaurants will close?
No. Meritage says it plans to continue operating its restaurants during the reorganization process.
The closures are part of a broader effort by Wendy’s to reduce its U.S. footprint and focus on improving the performance of struggling locations.
