Wendy’s of Montana sold to Spokane firm

BILLINGS, Mont. — Wendy’s of Montana has been sold to another franchisee, Wenspok Resources of Spokane.

Greg McDonald, president of the Billings-based franchise, says the operations and assets of 18 fast-food restaurants have been sold to Wenspok. The sale price wasn’t disclosed. Fifteen of the restaurants are in Montana, two are in Wyoming and another in Dickinson, North Dakota.

McDonald announced the sale in a statement on Friday, adding that his family will continue to own the land under the buildings, The Billings Gazette reported.

Wenspok Resources now owns 44 Wendy’s restaurants in seven states including Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California along with the new restaurants in Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota.

Wendy’s of Montana has about 700 employees. Three employees in the administrative office were laid off, but McDonald says two have already found new jobs.

Wenspok plans to keep the Montana leadership team intact, said Jennifer Robson, Wenspok’s vice president of real estate.

McDonald’s statement did not specifically address the future of the Wendy’s of Montana Foundation, which has supported schools, universities and athletics. Donations have included $1.4 million to the College of Business at Montana State University Billings, $400,000 for synthetic turf at Daylis Stadium in Billings and sponsorship of the Montana State University athletic hall of fame.