Ultra Famous Fast Food Hamburger Giant Was Born In Atlantic City

We have been writing a fun series of famous people who were born in New Jersey.

I never knew about this one until right now.

One of the most famous and successful fast food giants in American history was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

He created the unique square-shaped hamburger at the fast food restaurant chains that he named after his daughter, “Wendy.”

Yes, now you know that I’m referring to Wendy’s fast food restaurants, located all over America.

Dave Thomas, founder and chief executive officer of Wendy’s was born on July 2, 1932 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Thomas was adopted when he was between six weeks and six months old by Rex and Auleva Thomas.

Dave Thomas became a famous advocate for adoption, founding the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Thomas became famous by appearing in more than 800 national television commercials from 1989 to 2002.

This is more than any other fast food restaurant chain founder … even more than KFC founder, Colonel Harland Sanders. Their paths would cross during Thomas’ career.

Dave Thomas’ style and like ability factor became such a hit with the American people.

Wendy’s is most well known for serving hamburgers … but, I really like their grilled chicken sandwich and chocolate Frosty dessert.

Thomas’ career in the restaurant industry began at age 12 in Knoxville, Tennessee at a restaurant named Regas, an upscale restaurant.

He was fired from that job following a dispute with his boss. He vowed never to be fired from another job for the rest of his life.

Fun fact: After Dave Thomas achieved super stardom, The Regas Restaurant displayed a full sized, autographed photo of Dave Thomas at the entrance. It remained in place until 2010 when the restaurant closed its doors forever.

Dave Thomas volunteered to serve in the United States Army when he turned 18 years old in 1950, during The Korean War. He decided to volunteer, before being drafted.

By 1968, Thomas was responsible for increasing sales at four KFC restaurants and he earned shsres that he sold back to Sanders for more than $ 1.5 million.

Thomas served as a regional director for Kentucky Fried Chicken. He left to become part of a group that founded Arthur Treacher's.

This lasted for less than one year as Thomas left to create Wendy’s .

Thomas opened his first Wendy’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio on November 15, 1969.

His original restaurant operated until March 2, 2007, a successful 38-year run.

During his career, it was reported that Thomas had 90 percent name recognition in America and his Wendy’s restaurants became the third largest hamburger fast food restaurant chain in America.

SOURCE: Wikipedia.