Wendy's Co

The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ: WEN) operates as the parent company of a global quick-service restaurant system specializing in high-quality hamburger sandwiches and complementary menu items. Founded in 1969 with its first restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy's has grown to become the second largest quick-service restaurant company in the hamburger segment in the United States by traffic and dollar share, and the third largest globally. The company maintains its corporate headquarters and investor relations presence at www.wendys.com and www.irwendys.com.

As of December 28, 2025, Wendy's operated 7,397 restaurants across the United States and 38 foreign countries and territories. The U.S. segment comprised 5,969 locations, with 423 company-operated and 5,546 franchisee-operated restaurants across 50 states and the District of Columbia. The international segment included 1,428 restaurants, with 1,417 operated by 117 franchisees and 11 company-operated locations in the United Kingdom. The company employed approximately 14,900 people, with roughly one-third full-time and two-thirds part-time, primarily located in the United States.

Wendy's operates through three reportable segments: Wendy's U.S., Wendy's International, and Global Real Estate & Development. Revenue derives from sales at company-operated restaurants and franchise-related sources including royalties, franchise fees, national advertising fund collections, and real estate leasing arrangements. The company's menu features made-to-order square hamburgers using fresh beef, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and nuggets, salads, chili, baked potatoes, Frosty desserts, and breakfast offerings including the Breakfast Baconator.

The company maintains a predominantly franchised business model, with 203 U.S. franchisees and 117 international franchisees operating the vast majority of system restaurants. Wendy's differentiates through its focus on high-quality, craveable food, diverse menu offerings, and operational excellence. The company owns valuable intellectual property including the Wendy's trademark, the Quality Is Our Recipe brand, and exclusive commercial rights to the Thomas Persona of founder Dave Thomas. Strategic initiatives include Project Fresh, a comprehensive plan focused on brand revitalization, operational excellence, system optimization, and capital allocation to drive profitable growth and long-term value creation.