Meritage Hospitality Group Files for Bankruptcy Protection Amid Wendy’s Franchise Dispute

Wilmington, NC, September 22, 2026 — Meritage Hospitality Group, a significant operator of Wendy’s restaurants across the United States, has filed for bankruptcy protection. The company, which manages Wendy’s locations in North Carolina and 14 additional states, initiated the bankruptcy proceedings following a move by Wendy’s to terminate its franchise agreement.

The fast-food giant, Wendy’s, stated that its decision to seek termination of the franchise agreement with Meritage Hospitality Group was due to unpaid royalties and fees. The specific amounts owed and the precise date Wendy’s initiated the termination proceedings were not immediately available.

Meritage Hospitality Group is identified as one of the largest franchisees for the Wendy’s brand in the U.S. The exact number of restaurants operated by Meritage was not provided in the summary. The company’s operational footprint extends beyond North Carolina to encompass 14 other states.

Details regarding the specific chapter of bankruptcy filed by Meritage Hospitality Group, the timeline of the proceedings, or the subsequent steps in the bankruptcy process were not included in the provided information. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided. The outcome of the franchise agreement termination by Wendy’s and its impact on Meritage’s operations are also pending further information.

Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.wwaytv3.com, see more information here.