Another Fast Food Giant Shuttering Stores – So Far None in Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) The fast food sector of the food service industry is extremely competitive. Not only do consumers have a lot of choices, but the profit margin in some of those sandwiches, fries, burgers, and drinks does not allow for much wiggle room at all. Perhaps that's why in recent weeks we've gotten news of not just one major fast food chain shuttering locations, but now there's word that a 61-year-old icon of the fast food industry has been quietly closing locations.

Earlier this week, we brought you news of Wendy's Restaurants and their plans to close some 350 locations across their global footprint. As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of Wendy's locations in Louisiana being included, but based on published reports, the fast food giant has not completed its list of planned closures.

READ MORE: Iconic "Discontinued" Sandwich Returns to Louisiana

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Inflation is playing a major role in why so many fast food entities are struggling. Not only is the cost of raw material going up, but the cost of labor to prepare and serve those raw materials is on the rise as well. Many consumers have also stepped back from visits to fast food establishments.

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Why Are Fast Food Prices So High?

The reason for the decrease in visits is not a drop in quality, service, or selection; it's all about the price. In the past five years, just the cost of ground beef has risen by 45%. So with profit margins so tight, it's no wonder the additional expense has been passed on to the consumer. And now, the consumer is really having to pinch pennies, and that has been a major player in why so many fast food franchises are operating at less profitability.

With more than 3,600 locations around the world, Arby's is known as the place to get roast beef and seasoned curly fries. In fact, if you look at just the sandwich sector of the fast food industry, you'll find that Arby's is only surpassed by Subway and Panera when it comes to locations and sales.

Based on industry reports, it appears as though the Arby's chain has lost four dozen locations between 2023 and 2024. There have also been locations shuttered in 2025. Those closings have occurred in California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.

What is the Status of Arby's Locations in Louisiana?

As of this report, there is no official indication that Arby's has plans to shutter locations in Louisiana. There are currently 25 Arby's locations in the state.  But as the cost of "eating away from home" continues to rise, you can expect more closings or restructuring to occur.

As of now, the cost of eating away from home has risen by almost 4% in 2025. Menu prices at fast food restaurants have risen between 39% and 100% over the past decade. And that is the leading explanation why more and more Americans are choosing to cook over the convenience of fast food.