DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) – One of central Ohio's largest fast food chains is planning to shut down 140 locations by the end of the year.  Wendy’s President and CEO Kirk Tanner recently said he has decided to close 140 “underperforming” and “outdated” eateries across the country.  “Our focus is on building new restaurants because we know they deliver well over the average of these poor-performing restaurants,” Tanner said. “We, overall, want the best restaurants for the customers and that customer experience we want to deliver.” Kroger announces plan to build new Powell storefront The chain, based in Dublin and known for hamburgers and Frostys, has 6,012 locations across the country. Ohio is the state with the third-most Wendy’s (405), behind Florida (520) and Texas (470). In a message to NBC4, a Wendy’s spokesperson declined to share which locations would be closed, or if any in Ohio would be affected. However, the company said it is on track to open between 250 and 300 new restaurants in the United States this year. “Closures are a normal activity to maintain a healthy system,” the spokesperson said. “After our strategic review, we now expect a similar number of closures as openings, so we expect net unit growth in 2024 to be roughly flat.” The first Wendy’s opened in 1969 on East Broad Street in Columbus and closed in March 2007. The original restaurant had no drive-thru window and limited parking.