140 Fast Locations Closing Nationwide, New Stores Coming to North Carolina

Another fast-food giant has announced it will shutter 140 "outdated and underperforming" locations, citing rising costs and tighter consumer budgets.

Fast-Food Giant to Close 140 Locations, Plans Major Overhaul in North Carolina

During an October 31, 2004 earnings call, the company’s CEO revealed that closures will affect restaurants across the U.S., including North Carolina, where some well-known spots might soon disappear.

The chain has struggled with older locations in areas that no longer align with its evolving brand image. The CEO pointed to "poor trade areas" and aging designs as the first to go, with closures expected to wrap up by the end of the year. But while some locations are closing, the company isn’t pulling back entirely.

Will They Open Any New Stores?

The fast-food chain plans to open 250 to 300 brand-new restaurants, featuring sleek, modern designs with faster service. The company's focus is shifting toward meeting the needs of today's customers, prioritizing efficiency and updated interiors that fit the current fast-casual dining trends.

For North Carolinians, there’s no confirmation yet on which locations will close, but it’s possible some familiar spots may soon disappear. However, Fast Company reports that the chain plans to grow its presence in high-traffic areas, meaning new, cutting-edge locations could open just in time to fill the gap.

What Restaurant is Closing its Locations?

So, who’s behind this major overhaul? It’s none other than Wendy's, the burger chain known for its square patties and sassy Twitter presence. Wendy’s hopes its modernized locations will better serve customers while maintaining its reputation for quality.

As Wendy’s moves into the future, longtime fans in North Carolina can only hope the chain doesn’t replace its personal touch with kiosks and automation. And who knows—maybe the new Wendy’s will even bring back nostalgic favorites like the Super Bar or those newspaper-covered tabletops.