Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023
Goodwill
Goodwill, gross	$ 780,865	$ 783,124	$ 782,485
Accumulated impairment losses	(9,397)	(9,397)	(9,397)
Goodwill, net	771,468	773,727	773,088
Currency translation adjustment and other	(2,259)	639
Wendy's U.S.
Goodwill
Goodwill, gross	620,603	620,603	620,603
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	0
Goodwill, net	620,603	620,603	620,603
Currency translation adjustment and other	0	0
Wendy's International
Goodwill
Goodwill, gross	37,714	39,973	39,334
Accumulated impairment losses	(9,397)	(9,397)	(9,397)
Goodwill, net	28,317	30,576	29,937
Currency translation adjustment and other	(2,259)	639
Global Real Estate & Development
Goodwill
Goodwill, gross	122,548	122,548	122,548
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	0
Goodwill, net	122,548	122,548	$ 122,548
Currency translation adjustment and other	$ 0	$ 0