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Learn about the life and career of Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy's fast-food chain and a TV spokesperson. He was also a philanthropist, an advocate for adoption and education, and a former soldier and KFC franchisee.
Apr 2, 2014 · Dave Thomas is best known for founding Wendy's hamburger restaurant chain. He became the company's TV spokesman in 1989.
David William Thomas CM (born May 20, 1948) is a Canadian actor, comedian and television writer, known for being one half of the duo Bob and Doug McKenzie with Rick Moranis. He appeared as Doug McKenzie on SCTV, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award out of two nominations, and in the film Strange Brew (1983), which he also co-directed.
Dave Thomas is a versatile and prolific performer who co-created SCTV, co-starred in Strange Brew, and wrote for The Blacklist. He also has a background in advertising, music, and philosophy, and is the brother of Ian Thomas.
- January 1, 1
- 1.78 m
- St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
- The Early Years. When he was eight years old, Dave Thomas dreamed he'd run the best restaurant in the world. He didn't just achieve his dream, he shared it with everyone.
- Dave in the Military, Family-Life and his introduction to the Restaurant Business. All great leaders must start somewhere, and for Dave, that was a family restaurant in Knoxville.
- Founding Wendy’s. Dave’s boyhood dream came true in 1969 when he opened the first Wendy’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. Wendy's became known for square hamburgers, made from fresh beef, that hang over the bun, because we don’t cut corners on quality.
- A Champion for Children in Foster Care. Dave gave generously with his time, money and energy. He strongly believed in giving back to communities that support the Wendy’s business.
Jul 1, 2019 · A 1991 profile of the late Wendy's founder, who was adopted, abused and became a fast-food mogul and a celebrity. Learn about his childhood, his business, his adoption advocacy and his autobiography.
Jan 8, 2002 · Dave Thomas, the smiling pitchman whose homespun TV ads built Wendy's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers into one of the world's most successful fast-food franchises, died Tuesday of liver cancer.