Leases Components of Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2026	Mar. 30, 2025
Lease, Cost
Amortization of finance lease assets	$ 5,768	$ 5,145
Interest on finance lease liabilities	11,642	10,877
Total finance lease cost	17,410	16,022
Operating lease cost	20,010	20,517
Variable lease cost	15,909	16,213
Short-term lease cost	1,376	1,266
Total operating lease cost	37,295	37,996
Total lease cost	54,705	54,018
Income Statement Location: us-gaap:CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
Lease, Cost
Total operating lease cost	6,887	6,941
Income Statement Location: wen:FranchiseRentalExpense
Lease, Cost
Total operating lease cost	30,040	30,652
Executory costs paid by lessee
Lease, Cost
Variable lease cost	$ 10,539	$ 10,394