Tue, November 10, 2026 at 5:13 PM UTC
Nearly every week in 2026, a new list of major eateries closing has made the headlines. Here are some of the big names that have felt the impact:
Wendy’s: The fast-food icon, which had nearly 6,000 locations in the U.S., has closed roughly 200 of them across the country since September 2025. It was announced the total number of closures would continue to increase through 2026. Florida, Texas and Illinois are the states that have been hit hardest.
Starbucks: The coffee giant announced it will be closing 250 of its more than 18,000 locations across North America.
KFC: At least 300 locations of the popular chicken chain have closed since 2025.
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina: Following its operating company filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in June, the popular chain only has a handful of locations remaining in the U.S.
Papa Murphy’s: What was recently the fifth-largest pizza chain, Papa Murphy’s announced it would close about 50 locations in 2026.
O’Charley’s: The company announced a sudden shutdown of all of its 52 locations nationwide in 2026.
Jamba Juice: The smoothie stop revealed that 130 franchise locations have closed over the last three years.
Red Lobster: The casual seafood restaurant saw its oldest location, in Tallahassee, Fla., close its doors after being open since 1970.
Five Guys: The burger chain has shuttered more than a dozen locations nationwide in 2026. The chain is planning on opening new locations, however.
Dining and Cooking