Unfortunately, while Burger King seems to be the next fast food franchise to massively contract and/or close, Wendy's is probably in the number 2 spot. It's been no secret that BK is struggling - as evident by the empty parking lots and the number of closed locations. Wendy's has great food (in my opinion), but they seem to really struggle in several markets either in speed, service, or location. We'd probably eat there once or twice a month if the one in Waukee wasn't so bad, but instead we drive by it most weekends.
I prefer BK to most burger fast food places, but even I rarely end up going there. I can't believe the ones around me have stayed open the last 5 years.