Arby’s Closures Highlight Shifts in Fast Food Trends
Arby’s, known for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries, has quietly closed dozens of locations across the US, reflecting broader challenges in the fast-food industry. With 48 stores shuttered in 2024 and 14 more closures in 2025 across eight states, the brand faces declining sales, rising operational costs, and shifting consumer preferences toward healthier dining options. This trend mirrors a global move away from calorie-dense fast food toward fresh, nutrient-rich meals and sustainable practices. Similar challenges are affecting other chains like Wendy’s, which plans to close hundreds of underperforming locations by 2026. For Malta, this underscores the value of its Mediterranean-inspired culinary scene, which prioritizes wholesome, locally sourced ingredients and balanced eating. As the global food industry evolves, Malta’s commitment to health-conscious, sustainable dining offers a model for mindful eating and quality-driven choices.
Arby’s Locations Quietly Closing Across the US: What It Means for Fast Food and Health-Conscious Dining
The fast-food industry in the US is facing significant changes, with Arby’s—the chain known for its roast beef sandwiches and signature curly fries—quietly shuttering dozens of locations in recent months. While these closures may seem like an isolated development, they also highlight broader trends in consumer behavior, rising operational costs, and an increasing focus on healthier eating habits.
Founded in 1964, Arby’s operates over 3,600 locations globally, ranking third in the fast-food sandwich market behind Subway and Panera, according to QSR. However, recent data paints a challenging picture for the brand. In 2024, Arby’s reported a total of 3,365 locations, marking a decline of 48 stores compared to 2023. Its parent company, Inspire Brands, generated $29.5 billion in total sales last year, yet Arby’s itself saw a 6.3 percent drop in sales. Rising costs and shifting consumer priorities, including a growing preference for healthier dining options, are reportedly contributing to these closures.
The trend has continued into 2025, with 14 additional locations shut across eight US states so far this year. Among the affected restaurants are sites in Tennessee, California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Washington, and South Carolina. Notable closures include multiple Jacksonville-area stores in Florida and locations in Fresno, California, and Memphis, Tennessee. Despite these developments, Arby’s has yet to release an official statement addressing the situation.
For health-conscious diners, these closures offer an opportunity to reflect on the evolving fast-food landscape. Increasingly, consumers are seeking alternatives to traditional fast-food chains, opting for establishments that prioritize fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients and sustainable practices. In Malta, this shift is mirrored by the growing popularity of restaurants offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes, plant-based menus, and locally sourced produce. The country’s culinary scene is deeply rooted in wholesome, flavorful meals that support physical and mental well-being—a stark contrast to the calorie-dense offerings typical of many fast-food chains.
Arby’s isn’t the only brand facing challenges. Wendy’s has announced plans to close between 200 and 350 underperforming restaurants by 2026, citing reduced customer spending. Last year, Wendy’s shut 140 locations but also outlined plans to open new outlets in areas with higher demand. These strategies reflect the industry's efforts to adapt to changing market conditions, including a growing focus on quality and healthier dining options.
For diners in Malta who value longevity and well-being, the lessons from these closures are clear: consumer choices matter, and the demand for healthier, more sustainable food options is reshaping the global dining landscape. Whether you’re enjoying fresh fish at a seaside eatery in Marsaxlokk, exploring farm-to-table restaurants in Gozo, or indulging in traditional Maltese dishes like rabbit stew and gbejna cheese, Malta’s culinary culture offers a blueprint for balanced, health-conscious dining.
While fast-food giants like Arby’s and Wendy’s reevaluate their strategies, Malta’s thriving restaurant scene continues to embrace the principles of good health, great taste, and sustainability—offering inspiration for those seeking a more mindful approach to eating. As the global food industry evolves, the importance of choosing quality over convenience remains more relevant than ever.