Chain restaurants are closing hundreds of locations across the US in 2026. See the list. [View all]

Some fast-food and fast-casual chains across the US are shrinking their footprints, with several planning to scale back locations in 2026.

Restaurant chains, including Wendy's, Papa John's, Pizza Hut, and Red Lobster, have announced plans to close locations in 2026.

The planned closures come amid a challenging few years for restaurant chains, driven by factors such as inflation, rising labor costs, and changing customer preferences. Some brands have leaned on value meals and innovations in an attempt to bring more customers in the door.

"What's really worked within quick service hasn't been value, as much," TD Cowen analyst Andrew Charles previously told Business Insider. "Value is important, but you look at when McDonald's, Burger King, etc, have done well — it's really when they have great menu innovation or great marketing that they really see customers respond."

https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/articles/chain-restaurants-closing-hundreds-locations-135201078.html

Most of them are no longer the value they once were. If I don't have time to cook, I can get better choices at the deli section of my local grocery store.