DAVE'S LEGACY
The story of Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy's
Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas was born in New Jersey in 1932 and died in January 2002. We invite you to read his biography and the story of his legacy, from the founding of the first Wendy’s in Ohio in 1969 to the establishment of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
FIRST PART
The firsts years
When he was eight years old, Dave Thomas dreamed that he had the best restaurant in the world. He not only managed to fulfill his dream, but he also shared it with everyone. Dave loved two main things: food and people. That’s why he created Wendy’s. He believed in a place where you could get good food, freshly made and served by friendly people. At Wendy’s, we do everything we can to make that simple idea a reality, every day. Our name is Wendy’s, but we will always be Dave’s place.
SECOND PART
Dave in the Army, his family life, and his introduction to the restaurant business
All great leaders have to start somewhere, and in Dave’s case it was at a family restaurant in Knoxville. Hard work and a little initiative were enough to build a reputation as someone who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.
THIRD PART
Wendy's founding
Dave’s childhood dream came true in 1969, when he opened the first Wendy’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. Wendy’s became known for its square burgers, made with fresh beef and, which stick out from the bun, as we have never made cuts that compromise quality.
FOURTH PART
A champion for children in foster care
Dave was always generous with his time, money, and energy. He was a firm believer in giving back to the communities that supported the Wendy’s business. While Dave’s popularity helped sell hamburgers, he also used it to draw attention to causes and issues that were important to him, like foster care adoption.
FIFTH PART
Dave's passion for education and time in the foreground
Wendy’s television commercials gave Dave a presence in millions of homes, and he used his celebrity status to help people. For 12 years, he actively campaigned to ensure that children in foster care who needed a family found permanent, loving homes. By practicing what he preached, Dave created a lasting legacy.
FIFTH PART
For those who knew him, and many who didn’t, Dave Thomas was a real example of how hard work, dedication and commitment can lead to success. He was also a role model in terms of not accepting anything less than the highest quality, in all respects.
Dave's passion for education and time in the foreground
Dave Thomas was a man of few words, but they always had an impact on the people around him.
