Wendy’s Expands in Manatee County as Company Moves Forward with Nationwide Restructuring
Despite announcing plans to close an undisclosed number of underperforming restaurants nationwide, Wendy’s is opening two new locations in Manatee County this month.
The new restaurants will be located in Parrish, along U.S. 301 near Fort Hamer Road, and in Palmetto, on Moccasin Wallow Road just east of Interstate 75. The Parrish site sits adjacent to Fort Hamer Road, while the Palmetto location is positioned in one of the county’s fastest-growing commercial corridors.
According to a release from developer CASTO, the two restaurants will feature Wendy’s latest design and décor concept. The updated format is part of the company’s broader modernization efforts and is expected to create approximately 60 entry-level and career-level jobs combined.
The local expansion comes as the fast-food chain advances a nationwide strategy to strengthen financial performance. In 2025, Wendy’s introduced “Project Fresh,” a multi-year initiative designed to improve same-store sales performance by 2028. As part of that plan, about 30 restaurants closed in late 2025, with additional closures anticipated during the first half of 2026. The company has not publicly identified which specific locations will shutter.
Company leadership has indicated that the restructuring effort is intended to enhance long-term value for franchisees, employees and shareholders. Wendy’s operates more than 5,800 restaurants across the United States, including approximately 500 locations in Florida.
The opening of the Parrish and Palmetto stores reflects continued commercial growth in northern Manatee County, where residential development and population increases have drawn new retail and dining investments.
