Wendy's reported another quarter of declining sales on Thursday, Nov. 5, prompting the fast-food chain to announce a turnaround plan that includes a refreshed menu and the potential end of breakfast at many locations.
As part of the turnaround plan, named "Dave's Way" after Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, CEO Bob Wright said in its third-quarter earnings call that the company is implementing many changes to its menu offerings, including thicker, crispier bacon, a richer and creamier Frosty, whole leaf lettuce on sandwiches and improved salads.
"As part of that work, we're testing a more focused menu structure built around the core items our customers crave most, and removing lower volume items that add complexity in our kitchens," Wright said on
the call.
Wright also said the company has revised its breakfast strategy to be "location-specific," meaning serving breakfast is now optional for all Wendy's restaurants in the United States.
"This option directly supports stronger restaurant economics, improves the employee experience and, importantly, allows operators to concentrate on the food offerings and dayparts that have always been at the heart of Wendy's," Wright said on the call.
Wendy's rejects buyout offer from hedge fund
Wendy's also announced Nov. 5 that it rejected a $1.4 billion buyout offer from investor Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management and its partners and adopted a "poison pill" plan designed to make it harder to engineer a hostile takeover.
Wright touted the "Dave's Way" plan on the earnings call and said it is already producing good results.
“We’re confident that we have the right strategy, execution and resources to restore Wendy’s to its full potential and drive meaningful shareholder value,” Wright said.
Wendy's said in a statement that a committee of independent directors unanimously rejected the offer because it “substantially undervalues” the company.
Wendy's franchisee continues to close locations after filing for bankruptcy
A Michigan-based Wendy’s franchisee is continuing to close restaurants after filing for bankruptcy in September, this time shuttering dozens of underperforming locations in October.
The closures follow Grand Rapids Wendy’s franchisee Meritage Hospitality Group's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September. The franchisee has planned to close locations since late 2025, according to court documents filed in September. Specifically, the franchisee planned to shutter 60 underperforming stores, with closures continuing into September and October, per court documents.
The franchisee previously said it had 314 Wendy’s locations and is one of the largest Wendy’s franchisees in the United States. Court documents say the closures were due to profitability issues and record beef prices.
While the franchisee initiated the recent closures, Wendy’s previously announced planned closures of its own, including ones that would affect about 300 stores nationwide. The company also reported 44 U.S. restaurant openings during the first two quarters of 2026.
Wendy's told USA TODAY on Sept. 21 that the company was focused on "serving our customers, supporting our franchise system and strengthening the long-term health of the brand."
Contributing: Saleen Martin, USA TODAY
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wendy's refreshing menu in 2027 with thicker bacon, creamier Frosty
