FLORIDA STATE - Florida’s dining landscape is undergoing a significant "menu reset" this spring. As we move into March 2026, several popular food chains are shuttering locations across the Sunshine State due to franchise disputes, bankruptcy restructurings, and a strategic pivot back to traditional service models.
From the sudden disappearance of roadside favorites to the closure of high-tech coffee experiments, here are the popular food chains closing doors in Florida this March.
1. Hardee’s: The "ARC Burger" Franchise Exit
One of the most abrupt shifts hitting Florida involves Hardee’s. Following a massive legal dispute between corporate and ARC Burger (a major franchisee), approximately 77 locations across eight states have been ordered to close—and Florida is a primary target.
- The Cause: Court filings indicate that ARC Burger allegedly fell behind on more than $6.5 million in royalties, rent, and taxes. After failing to reach a repayment agreement, the franchise rights were terminated.
- The Impact: Rather than transferring the sites to a new operator, the franchisee chose to wind down its entire portfolio, causing many Florida locations to go dark almost overnight this spring.
2. Popeyes: Bankruptcy and "Right-Sizing"
Fans of the famous chicken sandwich may see fewer options in South Florida this month. Sailormen Inc., a Miami-based Popeyes franchisee with over 130 locations, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2026.
- The Closures: As part of a restructuring effort to address nearly $130 million in debt, the company has closed 17 restaurants across Florida and Georgia.
- The Reason: The franchisee cited high inflation, a tight labor market, and foot traffic that never fully returned to pre-pandemic levels as the catalysts for shuttering these specific "underperforming" sites.
3. Wendy’s: "Project Fresh" Consolidations
As part of its nationwide "Project Fresh" initiative, Wendy's is in the process of closing up to 350 underperforming stores across the U.S. through the first half of 2026.
- Florida Impact: While Wendy’s is opening newer, tech-forward locations, several "outdated" Florida drive-thrus are being permanently retired this March.
- The Strategy: The brand is moving away from smaller, aging units toward modern buildings that can better handle high-volume digital orders and deliveries.
4. Starbucks: Phasing Out "Pick-Up Only" Stores
In a rare retreat from its efficiency-focused expansion, Starbucks is closing or converting its Pick-Up and Mobile-Only stores through the 2026 fiscal year. The company is pivoting back to its roots as a "third place" for community connection.
- Targeted Florida Sites: Notable closures include the pick-up-only locations in Miami (Biscayne & NE 3rd St) and at Florida State University (Azalea Hall).
- The Shift: These locations were deemed "overly transactional." Starbucks is now investing $150,000 per location in a "Coffeehouse Uplift" program to add seating and a warmer atmosphere to its remaining traditional cafes.
5. Red Lobster: Ongoing Post-Bankruptcy Trim
The seafood giant, founded in Orlando, continues to navigate the aftermath of its recent bankruptcy. Under new management, the chain is still evaluating its physical footprint and lease obligations.
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The Status: While many closures occurred in 2024 and 2025, additional underperforming Florida sites remain on the chopping block this spring as the company attempts to pare down debt and focus on its most profitable coastal regions.
Why is this happening now?
Industry analysts point to three primary factors for the March 2026 "restaurant reset":
- Unit Economics: Rising labor and food costs have made it difficult for lower-volume franchise units to keep up with their corporate fees.
- The Human Connection: After years of focusing on "contactless" and "mobile" service, brands like Starbucks are finding that customers are willing to pay a premium for a physical "third place" atmosphere.
- Real Estate Optimization: Many 10-year leases signed during the 2016 retail boom are expiring this month, and chains are walking away from underperforming sites rather than renewing at today's higher market rates.