Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2022	Jan. 03, 2021	Dec. 29, 2019
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 1,896,998	$ 1,733,825	$ 1,709,002
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	1,567,496	1,431,382	1,404,307
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	86,369	65,642	68,198
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 243,133	$ 236,801	$ 236,497