Historical Figure
Dave Thomas
1932–2002
Founder of Wendy's (1932–2002)
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Biography
Rex David Thomas was an American businessman, philanthropist, and fast-food tycoon who was the founder and chief executive officer of Wendy's, a fast-food restaurant chain specializing in hamburgers. In this role, Thomas appeared in more than 800 commercial advertisements for the chain from 1989 to 2002, more than any other company founder in television history.
Timeline
The story of Dave Thomas, told in moments.
Born Rex David Thomas in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Adopted at six weeks. His adoptive mother died when he was five. His father moved constantly looking for work.
Worked alongside Colonel Harland Sanders at a struggling KFC franchise in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Thomas helped turn four failing restaurants into profitable ones and sold them back to Sanders for $1.5 million.
Opened the first Wendy's restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. Named it after his eight-year-old daughter Melinda Lou, whose nickname was Wendy.
Began appearing in Wendy's TV commercials himself. He starred in more than 800 ads, more than any other company founder in television history.
Died of liver cancer at 69 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At his death, Wendy's had 6,000 restaurants. He'd become a national advocate for adoption, drawing on his own experience.
Artifacts (15)
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