Wendy's franchisee Meritage files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Meritage Hospitality Group, one of Wendy's largest U.S. franchisees, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday. The company operates 314 Wendy's restaurants across 15 states, along with one Bojangles location and five independently branded stores. The filing comes as Wendy's has faced six straight quarters of samestore sales declines and ongoing pressure from valuefocused consumers. The company has also dealt with higher beef costs and heavier discounting, while Meritage said its restaurant earnings fell sharply in 2025. Meritage said the bankruptcy filing is intended to strengthen its balance sheet and that its restaurants will remain open during the restructuring. Court documents show the company estimates its assets and liabilities both fall in the $10 million to $50 million range, and Wendy's franchise business is listed as its largest unsecured creditor.