Hillsboro to lose fast-food chain
Staff writer
Wendy’s in Hillsboro will close permanently the day before Thanksgiving, according to a spokesman for its corporate owner.
The fast-food chain announced late in October that 140 outdated stores in underperforming areas would be closed, and an equal number of new locations would be opened.
“We’re sad for the community and we’re thankful that we had Wendy’s for 16 years,” Hillsboro mayor Lou Thurston said Tuesday.
Thurston said the city was hopeful to find a business to replace Wendy’s.
“The loss of Wendy’s is not just a restaurant but a gathering place,” Thurston said. “We’re still in the early stages of trying to figure out what’s next. Anytime something like this happens, it’s an opportunity for them and the community.”
City administrator Matt Stiles said the news was disappointing.
“We’ll try to work to find something else to come in there,” Stiles said.
Exactly why the Hillsboro store was targeted for closure isn’t known.
Although spokesmen for Wenspok, the franchisee that owns Hillsboro’s Wendy’s, referred all questions to corporate headquarters, the corporate headquarters referred questions back to Wenspok.
An email to the corporate office’s media relations department was answered by an unnamed respondent.
“Thank you for reaching out,” the email says. “I’m sharing the response below on behalf of Wenspok, the franchisee who owns and operates this restaurant.
“Wendy’s of Hillsboro will be closing on Nov. 27. We are grateful to the community for their support over the years, and we hope they will continue to visit us at our nearby locations in Newton and McPherson. We greatly value the contributions of our Hillsboro team members, and we are currently assessing transfer opportunities.”
Wendy’s at McPherson, also owned by Wenspok, was closed Sept. 5 for complete teardown and rebuilding. At the time its closing was announced, the proposed timeline for reopening was three months.
Hillsboro’s Wendy’s will not reopen.