Dave Thomas

Date of Birth: July 2, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: January 8, 2002

Biography

Dave Thomas, born Rex David Thomas, was an American businessman and philanthropist best known for founding the fast-food restaurant chain Wendy’s. He was born on July 2, 1932, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and was adopted at six weeks old by Rex and Auleva Thomas. Thomas spent much of his childhood moving around the country due to his father’s job. He dropped out of high school at 15 and began working in restaurants, which led to his lifelong passion for the food service industry. Thomas’s big break came when he began working for Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC. He helped turn around four failing KFC franchises, which earned him enough money to open his own restaurant. In 1969, he founded Wendy’s in Columbus, Ohio, naming the restaurant after his fourth daughter, Melinda Lou, who was nicknamed “Wendy.” Wendy’s quickly grew into one of the largest fast-food chains in the world. Thomas became the public face of Wendy’s, appearing in more than 800 commercials, which made him a well-known personality. Despite his success, he never forgot his roots and was heavily involved in philanthropy, particularly in adoption advocacy. He founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992 to help foster children find permanent homes.

5 Interesting Facts about Dave Thomas

1. Dave Thomas was adopted at six weeks old and later became a strong advocate for adoption, founding the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

2. He dropped out of high school at the age of 15 but later earned his GED in 1993 at the age of 61.

3. Thomas worked closely with Colonel Harland Sanders and helped save several failing KFC franchises, which significantly boosted his career.

4. Wendy’s is named after his fourth daughter, Melinda Lou “Wendy” Thomas.

5. He appeared in over 800 commercials for Wendy’s, making him a well-known and beloved figure in American advertising.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dave Thomas

1. “What people remember is how you make them feel.”

2. “If there are things you don’t like in the world you grew up in, make your own life different.”

3. “It’s all about the customer.”

4. “Success is not forever and failure isn’t fatal.”

5. “Hard work and honesty always pay off.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Dave Thomas had an estimated net worth of $250 million.

Children

Dave Thomas had five children: Pam, Lori, Molly, Melinda Lou “Wendy,” and Kenny Thomas. His fourth daughter, Melinda Lou, served as the inspiration and namesake for the Wendy’s restaurant chain.