Wendy’s customers in several states could see more restaurant closures as one of the chain’s biggest franchisees moves through bankruptcy. Meritage Hospitality Group, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 17 and said in court filings that at least 30 additional Wendy’s restaurants could close during the restructuring.
The company operates 314 Wendy’s restaurants across 15 states and employs about 9,000 people. Meritage has said it plans to keep operating its remaining restaurants and continue paying employees while it works through the Chapter 11 process.
At least 30 more closures are on the table
Recent bankruptcy court filings say Meritage could close at least 30 additional Wendy’s restaurants. The filings say those closures are expected to happen on a rolling basis through October 16.
Five restaurants had already been identified in the filings. Those locations are in Gordonsville, Virginia; Jacksonville and Tallahassee, Florida; Levelland, Texas; and Durant, Oklahoma…