These 3 restaurant chains have closed the most locations in 2026

Restaurant chains across the U.S. have continued trimming their footprints in 2026 as operators grapple with higher labor costs, softer consumer spending, and changing dining habits. While many brands have shuttered a handful of underperforming restaurants, a few have announced closures on a much larger scale. Here are the three chains making the biggest cuts this year.

1. Wendy’s: Up to 358 restaurants

Wendy’s tops the list after announcing plans to close between 5%-6% of its U.S. restaurants this year—roughly 298 to 358 locations. The fast-food giant said the closures are part of a strategy to eliminate older, underperforming restaurants while investing in stronger markets and newer locations. 

Despite the reductions, the company continues to open new restaurants, making the move more of a portfolio reshuffling than a nationwide retreat. 

2. Pizza Hut: About 250 restaurants

Pizza Hut is in the middle of another major downsizing, with approximately 250 U.S. restaurants slated to close. Many of the affected locations are older dine-in units that have struggled to remain profitable as customer preferences continue shifting toward delivery and carryout. The company has emphasized that franchise ownership changes and restaurant relocations may accompany some of the closures. 

3. Papa Johns: 200 North American locations

Papa Johns rounds out the top three after announcing plans to close 200 North American restaurants this year as part of a broader initiative to eliminate about 300 underperforming stores by 2027. Company leaders said many of the affected locations are older restaurants with weaker sales, allowing the chain to focus on higher-performing markets and long-term profitability. 

Although these announcements involve hundreds of restaurant closures, they don’t necessarily signal the end of these brands. Instead, many major chains are shrinking strategically—closing weaker locations while investing in remodels, technology, and new restaurants in markets where they see stronger growth potential. For diners, however, the changes mean many longtime neighborhood locations won’t be around much longer.

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