Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 03, 2022	Jul. 04, 2021	Jul. 03, 2022	Jul. 04, 2021
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 537,783	$ 493,337	$ 1,026,426	$ 953,540
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	450,440	409,843	857,751	791,797
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	27,463	21,316	50,369	39,566
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 59,880	$ 62,178	$ 118,306	$ 122,177