Joliet Loses Wendy's Restaurant After Decades Of Business, Millions Of Customers Served At This Location

JOLIET, IL — During the same week that the Joliet City Council will consider approving two new liquor licenses for two new Sharks' Fish and Chicken restaurants, one of Joliet's long-time fast-food restaurants has closed for good. On Monday morning, an Addison-based sign company, Identity Services, was in Joliet to remove all the signs at the Wendy's on South Larkin Avenue.

As of this week, this particular Joliet Wendy's restaurant has closed its doors for good. There are still several Wendy's restaurants in the area including one Joliet location at Center Street and Jefferson Street and one near the Louis Joliet Mall on Plainfield Road/Route 30, plus one in Shorewood on Route 59 near Black Road.

Back on November 10, Joliet Patch revealed that the Wendy's Restaurant at 110 S. Larkin Avenue was for sale. According to the listing on the Crexi commercial website, the Joliet Wendy's is "unpriced." Potential buyers are also advised that the fast-food restaurant property would be vacant as of Feb. 2, 2026. Under the category for "Occupancy," the real estate listing reads "Vacant."

On November 15, 1969, Dave Thomas opened his very first Wendy's restaurant in Columbus, Ohio at 257 E. Broad St.

The owner of the shuttered Joliet Wendy's restaurant informed Joliet Patch on Monday that it remains unknown what will open in place of the Wendy's.