(LOOTPRESS) – Wendy’s plans to close hundreds of its restaurants across the United States as part of a cost-cutting effort to improve overall performance, the company’s interim CEO announced this week.

The closures will affect between 200 and 350 of the chain’s roughly 6,000 U.S. locations, all described as “consistently underperforming.” The shutdowns are expected to begin soon and continue through next year.

A list of specific locations has not yet been released.

The decision follows a similar move last year when Wendy’s closed about 140 restaurants for the same reason. The company’s latest quarterly report showed sales down nearly 5%, while competitors such as McDonald’s and Burger King reported earnings growth.

Wendy’s leadership said the closures are aimed at strengthening the bra

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