Operations

Major Wendy’s franchisee Meritage Hospitality files for Chapter 11

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September 23, 2026

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Meritage Hospitality Group, one of the nation's largest Wendy's franchise operators, has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it seeks to restructure its debt and strengthen its financial position. The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company operates 314 Wendy's restaurants, one Bojangles and five independently branded concepts across 15 states.

Meritage attributed its financial challenges in part to sustained system-wide pressures affecting Wendy's, which accounts for the vast majority of its restaurant portfolio. The company said it had spent more than a year working with lenders and its franchisor before determining that a court-supervised restructuring was necessary.

Meritage expects its restaurants to remain open throughout the process and intends to continue paying its approximately 9,000 employees, subject to court approval. The company is also seeking debtor-in-possession financing to support ongoing operations while it explores strategic alternatives.