Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022	Jan. 03, 2021
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 2,095,505	$ 1,896,998	$ 1,733,825
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	1,750,242	1,567,496	1,431,382
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	106,705	86,369	65,642
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 238,558	$ 243,133	$ 236,801