Meritage Hospitality Group Resists Wendy’s Franchise Termination Bid

Grand Rapids Kalamazoo Battle Creek, MI, October 7, 2026 —

Grand Rapids-based Meritage Hospitality Group is reportedly contesting efforts by the Wendy’s Company to terminate its franchise agreements. These agreements cover a significant portfolio of hundreds of Wendy’s restaurants operated by Meritage across 15 different states.

The specifics of the dispute and the exact number of restaurants affected were not immediately available. Meritage Hospitality Group, a major franchisee of the fast-food chain, is said to be opposing Wendy’s actions to revoke its rights to operate these locations.

The dispute centers on franchise rights that encompass a substantial number of Wendy’s establishments managed by Meritage. The company operates these restaurants in 15 states, indicating a widespread business relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor.

Details regarding the grounds for Wendy’s purported termination efforts or Meritage’s specific arguments in resistance have not been disclosed. The company’s resistance suggests a significant disagreement over the terms or conditions of the franchise agreements.

Further information regarding the timeline of these events, the precise locations of the restaurants, or any potential financial implications was not provided in the summary. The outcome of this dispute is expected to impact Meritage Hospitality Group’s operational footprint and its relationship with the Wendy’s brand.

Story summarized from the original created by Katie Rosendale on www.woodtv.com, see more information here.

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