Wendy's reported a decline in same-restaurant sales for the fourth quarter as weakness in its U.S. business persisted. The fast-food chain has been grappling with challenging market conditions that have dampened customer traffic and spending at its domestic locations.

Same-restaurant sales are a key metric for restaurant chains, measuring performance at locations open at least a year. The continued decline signals ongoing challenges for Wendy's in maintaining its competitive position against rivals like McDonald's and Burger King in the crowded U.S. fast-food market. The company has been working to revitalize its menu offerings and marketing strategies to attract customers.

The sales drop comes amid broader headwinds facing the restaurant industry, including inflationary pressures on food costs and shifting consumer spending patterns. Wendy's has been attempting to navigate these challenges while maintaining profitability and market share in a highly competitive environment.