Massachusetts is experiencing a wave of restaurant closures as national casual dining and fast-food brands reassess their operations amid high rents, labor costs, and shifting consumer habits.
Below is a look at the five that are re-evaluating their brick-and-mortar operations:
1. Bertucci’s
Bertucci’s is in its third bankruptcy consolidation since late 2025. In April 2026, the chain will begin a significant consolidation and close several of its remaining Massachusetts locations, including its Reading site on Walkers Brook Drive. Bertucci’s is embracing a new fast-casual concept called Bertucci’s Pronto.
2. Friendly’s
Friendly’s has closed its final Massachusetts locations, effective this year, effectively ending the brand’s historic run in the state and signaling a broader regional exit for the chain. Today, only a few locations are left in New York and New Jersey.
3. Hooters
Hooters is moving toward Chapter 7 liquidation after a bankruptcy filing. Massachusetts closures are expected to be completed by the end of April, bringing an end to the chain’s four-decade presence in the region.
4. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is implementing Hut Forward, which will close approximately 250 underperforming stores nationwide in April. Massachusetts dine-in locations will transition to Delco (delivery and carry-out) units that support app-based ordering.
5. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is executing a “Project Fresh” initiative, shuttering up to 358 underperforming restaurants across the country in the early part of 2026. Several of the old-style brick-and-mortar buildings that cannot be readapted to meet the company’s new digital-first “Global Next Gen” design will be closed, including those in the Greater Boston area.
Wendy’s hopes to use the high-tech hubs to support mobile app orders and rapid drive-thru service…