Dave Thomas The Man Behind Wendy's

Weird History Food is going through the drive-thru for some Wendy's. Dave Thomas is best known for founding Wendy's hamburger restaurant chain in Columbus, Ohio. He became Wendy's TV spokesman in 1989. Dave opened his own restaurant on November 15, 1969: Wendy's, named after Thomas' 8-year-old daughter. Wendy's quickly caught on, and within less than a decade, had grown into a 1,000-store franchise.

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[dmoon]

I was standing in line at a Wendy’s once trying to figure out what to eat and behind me I hear, “get a baked potato and a single, that’s the best.” I turned around and it was Dave Thomas. He was visiting that location that day. Super nice guy. Humble, kind, very genuine.

[paulyiustravelogue]

I was piss poor when I was studying for my MBA, and the Wendy’s $1 menu saved me from starving to death. Thanks, Dave.

[Spaceboy_moptop]

Of all the fast food founders, i always found Dave Thomas to be the most down to earth person. He came off as a wholesome old man.

[susie]

Man, Dave Thomas was such a gem. May his memory be a blessing

[happything]

Dave was a classy guy. I operated a GED preparation class back in the late 90's and contacted Dave through Wendy's headquaters in Dublin, Ohio. He sent me an autographed picture of himself that I put up in the classroom along with fellow GEDers Wally (Famous) Amos, Mary Lou Retton and several others. It was inspiring to the students.

[sirebellum]

Damn. This video actually makes me want to eat at Wendy's. I feel like a truly well-intentioned large company owner is so rare. Seems like a lovely, earnest man

[bmjv]

I grew up in the 80s and 90s, and yes, Dave Thomas was on TV quite a bit. Hard to believe he's been gone for 20 years now...

[kristinjoni]

I met Dave Thomas at college. He gave a speech. He was really inspiring and friendly.

[scottvincent]

One of the few successful business owners who always stood their ground, never lost sight of what his heart desired, and what a caring heart he had..

[annasahlstrom]

I really miss Dave Thomas. He was truly wonderful.

[Savannah_Simpson]

It’s funny. You can definitely tell the difference where for McDonalds, efficiency and profits were the motive for Ray Kroc, where as for Wendy’s quality was the motive for Thomas. You can definitely tell the difference in the effects of that in the products all these years later. Given the choice I’ll pick Wendys every time. It’s just better food.

[orboakin]

Dave was such an amazing man. I'm an immigrant in Canada and Wendy's is the only burger restaurant I love eating at. In my country of Nigeria, we don't have a huge burger eating culture but with Wendy's their burgers really taste good and the atmosphere is so welcoming.

[cleverruse]

I live in Japan. Wendy's are kinda rare here, only at major train stations near me. But it's one of the American foods that I'm always glad to munch on when I get the opportunity.

[DRAKKENFIRE]

Dave Thomas was a great role model! He grew up during hard times. Now that life is much easier than when he grew up, it’s hard to find anyone to look up to. My most favorite Wendy’s menu item is the Baconator!!!

[Jennn]

Man I feel awful for forgetting about Mr Dave Thomas x.x Thank You for such a great story about this man

[deirdregibbons]

Date Thomas was such an inspiring man. I really like these segments where you describe the lives of inspirational food entrepreneurs like Dave Thomas and the Boyardee family.

[annalisette]

My husband and I preferred other hamburgers, especially the "King of burgers". He called Wendy's burgers "hot & greasy". Here in the west where some big burger chains are pulling back franchises, Wendy's hangs on. It has staying power once it is established.

I really like the story and Dave Thomas' life.

[SupersonicFX]

Really enjoyed that one. Love the voice of the narrator. Dave Thomas was a true beacon and inspiration for Wendy’s. Who doesn’t miss his funny commercials?

[dustinkooyman]

I actually had a lot of respect for Dave, (RIP). He built a fast food empire from the ground up. And lets not forget how Wendy's had the best old fayshund hand burgers. One of the best in the bidness.

[wtfRyantater]

Ever since a kid I haven't been a fan of Wendy's food, but I can always appreciate a man that's all in on himself