Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2024	Oct. 01, 2023	Sep. 29, 2024	Oct. 01, 2023
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 566,739	$ 550,555	$ 1,672,219	$ 1,640,927
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	468,725	457,240	1,384,163	1,366,981
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	37,598	35,167	106,774	97,162
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 60,416	$ 58,148	$ 181,282	$ 176,784