Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2023	Oct. 02, 2022	Oct. 01, 2023	Oct. 02, 2022
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 550,555	$ 532,569	$ 1,640,927	$ 1,558,995
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	457,240	445,934	1,366,981	1,303,685
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	35,167	27,547	97,162	77,916
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 58,148	$ 59,088	$ 176,784	$ 177,394