https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/wendy-s-operator-meritage-files-for-bankruptcyContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/wendy-s-operator-meritage-files-for-bankruptcyhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/wendy-s-operator-meritage-files-for-bankruptcy#u76763Sat, 19 Sep 2026 22:00:55 +0000Meritage Hospitality Group, one of the largest Wendy's franchisees in the U.S., has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The operator manages 314 restaurants across 15 states. Meritage intends to keep all locations operating despite the filing. The company faces a combination of declining sales, increased costs, and reduced profitability, leading to a default on $150 million in debt. The announcement coincided with a 3.6% drop in Wendy's stock price.Why it mattersThis filing impacts one of the burger chain's most significant partners during a period of broader s