Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 2,181,578	$ 2,095,505	$ 1,896,998
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	1,815,845	1,750,242	1,567,496
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	130,548	106,705	86,369
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 235,185	$ 238,558	$ 243,133