Wendy's operator submits petition | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

A major Wendy’s franchise operator filed for bankruptcy protection after Wendy’s sought to terminate its franchise agreement. Meritage Hospitality Group, which runs 314 Wendy’s restaurants across 15 states, said it intends to keep operating its locations and continue paying about 9,000 employees during the bankruptcy process. Meritage filed in federal court in western Michigan on Sept. 17, after Wendy’s issued a termination notice effective immediately on Sept. 16. Court filings say Wendy’s alleges Meritage owes $27.4 million in royalties and fees and $119.5 million in “continuous operations fees,” charged when franchises close locations. Meritage previously shut 60 underperforming restaurants in late 2024 as part of restructuring. Wendy’s shares ended down about 0.6%.