The Wendy’s at 1901 Apalachee Parkway has “permanently closed,” becoming the latest Tallahassee location to shutter amid the fast-food chain’s nationwide effort to eliminate underperforming restaurants.
It’s not clear exactly when the restaurant closed for good, but a Tallahassee Democrat editor – seeing social media posts earlier that day that the store was shut down – visited the location the night of Oct. 2. The doors were locked and interior lights were off.
No one could be seen inside. Signs on the doors and windows said, “This location is permanently closed,” the drive-through lane menu boards had been taken down and tables and chairs in the dine-in area were stacked up.
Apalachee Parkway Wendy’s ‘permanently closed’
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The latest in a spate of Wendy’s closing in Tallahassee, the Apalachee Parkway location is no more. (Jim Rosica/Tallahassee Democrat)
Latest Wendy’s closure follows recent trend
This latest closure reduces Wendy’s footprint in the capital city to six locations, according to the company’s website.
The Apalachee Parkway restaurant was among seven Tallahassee Wendy’s locations still listed as open as of Sept. 29. It joins a growing list of local closures, including stores on South Monroe Street, Bannerman Road, Ocala and Pensacola streets, and Capital Circle Northeast, according to previous reporting.
A Wendy’s restaurant sign is seen on November 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
The closures mirror Wendy’s broader strategy to close underperforming restaurants across the country.
According to a transcript reported by Investing.com, interim CEO and Chief Financial Officer Ken Cook said during a earnings call last year that the company had planned to close up to 360 underperforming stores nationwide to strengthen sales at remaining locations.
Some Wendy’s franchise operators also have faced financial challenges.
Meritage Hospitality Group, one of the chain’s largest franchisees, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing profitability concerns and higher beef costs. The filing is separate from Wendy’s previously announced plans to close about 300 restaurants nationwide while opening new locations in other markets.
Wendy’s operates thousands of restaurants nationwide and is known for its square hamburgers, Frosty desserts and chili.
This story contains previously published reporting. Jim Rosica can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com and follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Latest Wendy’s in Tallahassee closes its doors for good