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.
#wendys #foodhistory #weirdhistoryfood

[@susie8799]

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

[@corneliussnow8215]

Honestly, it's kinda sad to hear that he regretted naming the restaurant after his daughter, using her as the face and brand. With how much of a success the Wendy's chain has become, he has pretty much had his own daughter completely set for life before she even graduated high school it seems.

[@kathrynkildow3743]

@@corneliussnow8215 I imagine he meant that, as a kid, she got more attention than she wanted!

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

@@kathrynkildow3743 maybe

[@noddybebetrain9896]

Ewww not the saying for greedy jews

[@dmoon3380]

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.

[@robertfinch6602]

Wow that's cool!

[@robertfinch6602]

how long ago?

[@kingwavyyt7395]

He died in 2002 so maybe happened in 01 or late 90’s

[@dmoon3380]

It was when I was a Sophomore in high school in Vegas, so that was, I’d say, around ‘98ish.

[@ericcriteser4001]

Awesome. I'm eating that now.

[@scottvincent184]

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..

[@cleverruse5513]

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.

[@Off-with-a-bang]

Say "Nice weather we're having" in Japanese please! 😅

[@arcturionblade1077]

Same here. Wendy's are hanging on in Tokyo where I currently live (there are at least three locations that I know of in the city and, yeah, they're located next to subway stations). It's kinda expensive (a bit less so since the Yen has gotten weaker against the US dollar recently) but I still prefer their burgers over McDonald's and Burger King.

[@jameschang5375]

@@arcturionblade1077 It might sound pretty dumb to people living outside Japan but Wendy's there still tastes "American". The other chains in Japan are localised more or less so it kinda changes the flavour but biting a Wendy's burger was just like, "that's the taste man!"

[@cleverruse5513]

@@Off-with-a-bang いい天気ですね。"ii tenki desu ne."

[@cleverruse5513]

@@jameschang5375 Totally! A bacon double cheeseburger is a bacon double cheeseburger Lol

[@annalisette5897]

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.

[@JetstreamGW]

Y'know, I've never liked Burger King. I've just never liked their flavor, and they're always _swimming_ in sauce. Wendy's was good in the 90s and 2000s, not super fond of them now. Culver's, on the other hand...

[@paddington1670]

@@SimuLord McDix is too expensive for what it is, used to be good because it was the cheapest of all of them, now they have to compete with quality, aaaand theyve never been good at that. I do enjoy Micky D's, just these days I have options when they all cost the same.

[@SpaceCoffee700]

​@@SimuLordget the QPC with Mac sauce only

[@TNDKDW]

@@JetstreamGW the baconator still slaps to this day

[@JetstreamGW]

@@TNDKDW Ew, no.

[@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?

[@Jennn]

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

[@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

[@TokerJoker420]

Bruh i used to work there i quit after me and a coworker got into fist fight but i can i tell you there food is ass

[@aubreamber]

I love the baconator but that's kinda it

[@TokerJoker420]

@@aubreamber chicken nuggets are bomb when fresh

[@GMCLabs]

I'll eat it, but Wendy's was my least favorite of the 3 big burger joints. Funny story though, my roommate once order their triple double the beef. So 6 quarter pound patties! Dude gets like most of the way though eating this monstrosity , looks at me and says "Gary, I don't feel so good." I'm just like no shit man you got like of a pound and a half of grease and beef in your belly.

[@TokerJoker420]

@@GMCLabs yeah i stayed away from those i don't work for them anymore but fuck eating there

[@Vollification]

It's amazing yet logical how much fast food like all other industry has its origins in the military.

[@Miodrag.Vukomanovic]

F*CK your military. All it takes is an AK, some IEDs, and an iron will to get you the fuck out of whatever country you try to infest.

[@ItsPyrus]

War is a great means of producing innovation, sadly.

[@Off-with-a-bang]

I mean say what you will about the military. But at least there you learn to stay focus and motivated enough to achieve your goals(most of the time)

[@Sniperboy5551]

We wouldn’t have the internet if it weren’t for the military. That and quite a few other modern inventions that are pretty important in our daily lives. That’s why I don’t complain about military spending, it’s all worth it eventually.

[@nikitakimov9956]

I mean what place can be better to learn how to feed hundreds of people in a day?

[@DeusMaquina]

The two stories of A&W would be a neat idea. A&W in Canada and America used to be one in the same and then split apart. The path each side took is interesting...

[@dguy0386]

A&W still has some old fashioned locations around in the US, i work at one

[@stevecagle2317]

I "worked for Dave" for my obligatory "burger flipping job" in highschool in the late 70s. Of the fast food joints, it was better than others. Wendy's hadn't loaded up the menu yet. Single, doubles and triples, one size each of fries, chili, and frosty. The burgers were fresh, working the grill, I had to watch the number of cars coming on the lot to add meat to the grill and drop fries to keep them fresh. The sandwich veggies were fresh, we used name brand condiments and ingredients in the chili and we all actually took pride in making good food. Things are different these days... 🙄

[@kyleshiflet9952]

Just like Chef Boyardee Dave Thomas's life is an extremely inspirational story I'd love to see a movie about dave as for my favorite Wendy's menu item I'm all about the Baconator

[@davidinwashington]

Baconator is some good eating yo!

[@crazexskater]

I met Dave when I was in high school. He was trying to start a fast food restaurant that failed, but I did get to meet Dave. What a nice guy...

[@xpatsteve]

I grew up in northeast Ohio and when the first Wendy's opened near us it immediately became my favorite burger place. I've been living overseas for over 20 years now but still try to get to a Wendy's whenever I'm back in the US. No doubt in my mind that Dave Thomas was an outstanding person in so many ways.

[@marcjohn9404]

I still remember when Dave Thomas was in the advertisements for Wendy's, gave them a very wholesome vibe like they were independent, and it was backed by the fact that their meals were better than McDonald's or Burger King's. Kind of feels cool to have been alive for that, I had no idea about his story with KFC.

[@kathrynkildow3743]

I often go to Wendy's and enjoyed this video. Even went to the first Wendy's once. Very proud of Dave Thomas. He had a commercial where he simply said, "I'm adopted." It was for his adoption fund. I liked that most of all. New favorite food: Italian Mozzarella Cheeseburger! From a long-time Columbus, Ohio customer 😋

[@mybrotherkeeper1484]

I hope Wendy reads some of these comments. People patronized Wendy’s just because of Dave ( even though their food and prices were excellent, too), and they will support Wendy, too.

[@ThomasTheFapEngine]

As someone who's name is David Thomas I can testify this guy is a legend and so are all David Thomas's

[@galacticpondofficial]

Thomas the fap engine, huh? 😂

[@thestarseeker8196]

Man I always root for Wendy’s so hard and it’s tough to see BK, with inferior food, pulling out ahead. Dave ruled.

[@zone47]

I like their burgers and love the Frosties! Even if I didn't like the food I would still eat there every now and then as Dave certainly loved people and provided the best he could manage for them in the Wendy's business and for struggling people on a personal level. God bless Dave and family!!

[@wylanvallotton4462]

Wendy's Fries dipped in a Wendy's Frosty is genuinely pretty good. Not my jam personally, but it's still pretty good so I don't knock it when people do it.

[@PhantomLover007]

I loved the “where’s the beef” commercials and the ones with Dave in them. Wendy’s was always tasty. One thing I forgot to touch on was that They also had a pasta bar where you could have spaghetti or white sauce

[@Galactis1]

Dave has a better story than the founder that stole McDonald's. Wendy's has a good cheeseburger. I remember seeing Dave on ads, something about Wendy's showing the creator makes the burgers that much better. Unlike garbage other places.

[@williamwright9079]

Dave Thomas! Awesome bro and best burgers! Cheers!

[@MikeDeeJackson]

I remember watching all of those Wendy's commercials as a kid! This video made me wanna go back and watch again!

[@MarianneKat]

WHERE'S THE BEEF??? Still lives in my childhood memories. And yes, frosty dipped fries are good😁. Dave left a legacy of helping those in foster care and needing adoption, so yay to this Michigan man😊

[@pustulioyo]

I only know more about him than other restaurant founders because I'm from Fort Wayne, Indiana and Wendy's is very popular there for that reason. Like, he wasn't even born there, he's known for living and working there. Fort Wayne doesn't have a lot of genuine celebrities that are natives (except for Jenna Fischer, she's a sweetheart), just famous people who lived there for an extended period of time, like Stephen King, Philo Farnsworth, and Dave Thomas.

[@cherryblossoms85]

I love their chili! I remember watching the commercials with Dave and I didn't know he died that long ago! It's nice to see his daughter in them now. I remember hearing he had named the restaurant after his daughter but I didn't know her name wasn't Wendy.

[@driftdotus]

The chilli was soo good( and cheap). Here in New Zealand you got 2 packs of hot chilli oil and 2 packs of crackers with it which i would just crush up to thicken it up

[@cherryblossoms85]

@@driftdotus Mm I like mine with crackers too and onions and cheese.

[@silentcomanche6987]

Thank you Dave Thomas, you helped me out a lot when I was younger. Things are a lot more expensive these days, but I'll always appreciate the quality of food that came from your genius and genuine creation. Just as I'll always appreciate the genuine and quality memories that were formed over the delicious treats you came up with❤

[@dennisdaily5463]

Wow, all of your food documentaries are well written, nicely researched and well produced. Plus, your narrations are clear and understandable. Dennis

[@emwhaibee]

For those that actually watched the vod from start to finish; Dave Thomas is such an inspiration! 🎩🖖🏾 Edit- "MBA" - Mop Bucket Attitude 👌🏾 @ 03:05 to 03:14 - 2nd MASTER STROKE 🔏

[@charlespratt8663]

A class act as a spokesman and the creator of the best fast food burgers!

[@jiujitsusilencer8533]

Please do an episode on Roy Rogers . I used to love the burgers and the salad bars from RR.

[@alexburns1330]

This was such an enjoyable and educational video on the origin of Wendy's and its founder Dave Thomas. Ever since I have watched and experienced the biopic movie The Founder, which was about the backstory of McDonald's, I've become extremely interested and invested in learning about the backstories and founders of other fast-food organizations. Needless to say, It was a very fun experience doing some research and watching this video to learn about Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy's. Also, I actually hope to become a professional filmmaker one day as I would love to start directing and making movies at some point in my life. The reason I wanted to bring that up is because to be perfectly honest here, I would love to make a biopic movie on both the origin story of both Wendy's and its founder Dave Thomas to essentially both explain and show who Dave Thomas is/was and to celebrate his extraordinary legacy that he left behind in this world. A big reason on why I'm so interested in making a Wendy's/Dave Thomas biopic as well, is because it seems Dave Thomas really was an extremely kind and humble person, making him a good contrast and polar opposite to say, Ray Kroc, the "founder" of McDonald's.

[@nohandle62]

You should read BEHIND THE ARCHES by John F. Love. It's a real in-depth look at McDonald's.

[@rushnerd]

Dave Thomas was the best thing in fast food. I think it's pretty easy to agree on that. The ads back then really made you feel like he cared so much and was involved with the business while virtually no one else would do such a thing.

[@captainchaos0666]

For me the Jr. Bacon cheeseburger is top notch at Wendy's. I definitely enjoyed this video and learned quite a lot.

[@chalupacabra1727]

The square patty was because they spread the ground beef out on cookie shets and could cut squar pattys out easier and faster.

[@Cyge240sx]

My family never ate Wendy’s growing up but I can remember all of his commercials from like 94-2000 ish the adds that I am seeing now are filling me with nostalgia

[@benjaminterrazas7294]

Fell in love with Wendy’s back in my college days. Just a damn good burger.

[@zackspiker_]

He was so fun in the ads! And that bacon mushroom melt was dynamite in the 90s! He didn’t die a hero he lived long and stayed one.

[@jollyrogerq]

You guys have taken documentaries and infomercials and found a sneaky new way to get paid. Nice job love this channel

[@youngboss87]

This guy is the goat!

[@mikehughes4969]

I worked for Wendy's a thousand years ago, back in the 80s, when Dave was still around and in charge. I never met him, but my manager did. She said he was a sweetheart of a guy, if you met his standards. If you didn't, you were given the chance to improve and if you didn't, you were gone. That simple. You have to respect that.

[@BugsyFoga]

Wendy’s is definitely one of my Favorite fast food places out there, so this vid definitely up my alley.

[@BlakeGildaphish76]

i miss seeing the sweet face of Dave Thomas and hearing his soothing voice. He made the burgers look so good!

[@edkeaton]

I have two books on Dave Thomas that I have read and have found to be fascinating. I also find the burgers at "Wendy's", his signature restaurant to be tasty and downright amazing! 😋🍔🍟

[@jamesritacco1693]

As a young real estate agent in the early 1990's one of the first homes I sold was to a young couple moving into the area. Bob was an executive in the Wendy's Organization. His wife Amy was also an amazing human being. It was easy to see how Dave Thomas built such a successful company. He cared about people.

[@DudeBird]

Love Wendy's thanks for this man, love your vids

[@Game_Hero]

Those descriptions are amazing. "Weak on beef" "A lady with a question" XD.

[@rogerdargartz1864]

8:35 Can confirm the dunking of fries into a Frosty.

[@arshifamahdavikiaelhaq2516]

I'm sorry, give me a minute to appreciate the narrator voice. It have that 60-70's tv ads vibes and i'm here for it ✨

[@doct0rnic]

I find Wendy's to be one of the most underrated fast food joints

[@UncleXerces]

One dollar double stacks got me through a lot in life, it's usually what I still get when I go.

[@miguelrobb5719]

I use to live off of those $1 double stacks. Those were the days. Now you can’t find those for under $2 anymore.

[@joshuapatrick682]

dude is a legit awesome guy, he's like the Mr Rogers of fast-food and if I ever have to choke some fast food down in a pinch Wendy's is the place I go.

[@jimster1111]

love this channel

[@Amnok]

Honesty with a promotion makes a great success

[@CwL-1984]

Mr Thomas should have ran for president.

[@dtdimeflicks6708]

I have more in common with Dave than I thought. We both love burgers, came from the Midwest and were married at 22.

[@LawtonDigital]

Little known fact, our Airborne class motto back in March '84 was "Where's the Beef?" We sounded off with this every time the cadre called our training company to attention. This attracted the notice of Big Brass who came down and ordered us to change it. We refused. We did a lot of pushups for that motto, and we graduated the most spirited Airborne class that year. Still my favorite burgers, too!

[@garyflinn3989]

One of his influences was the Kewpee Hotel restaurant when he was growing up in Kalamazoo, MI. When he was starting Wendy's he got ideas from the still operating Kewpee locations in Lima, Ohio. Kewpee was founded in Flint, MI (where the locations became Halo Burger) and celebrate their centennial next year.

[@luckyduckydrivingschool3615]

watching this while chowing down on a triple. still tastes as good as i always remembered it!

[@OfficialWendys]

Such a wholesome story

[@stonedsasquatch]

I was working at Wendy's when Dave passed. Not a single person in management gaf. No statements, no moment of silence not even a crew meeting and we had crew meetings about the squirrel eating funny shit outside. I quit that Friday

[@franciscofausto1378]

“We’re putting the heat lamp on…” that’s a good line! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@oldschooldude3500]

Growing up in a small town once a month grandma and the family would head to the closet biggest town and pay her bills in person and we would stop at Wendy's for lunch. It was always a awesome treat to stop at Wendy's and we would get frostys with it. So for me Wendy's has a special memory.

[@NotTheWheel]

I don't eat fast food much anymore but Wendy's was always my favorite and I remember this kind old man growing up. :) Wendy's is great. I like their burgers and frosty

[@420greatestqueen]

I worked at Wendy's when I was 17/18 in the mid 90s. Fun times! I never got sick of the food

[@yanxiangmeng4967]

Eating McDonald's while watching this. I want to ask the same, WHERE IS THE BEEF!? How did McDonald's manage to make patties so paper thin is a technological marvel

[@corvigae]

I live in an area that houses 3 of the remaining few locations of an old burger chain called Kewpee, and idk how accurate it is, but I always hear it repeated around here that the reason Wendy's has the Frosty is because Dave Thomas used to live near a Kewpee and he liked the frosted malts they sold.

[@Adam_007]

This was a great video always loved Wendy's burgers and this knowledge of Dave makes it even better

[@lisamarie06]

Fries and a Frosty is must every time I go to Wendy's. I can't eat fast food like when I was younger, but do still enjoy a Wendy's salad during the summer.

[@Noone-jn3jp]

At Wendy’s was the first time i learned about adoption, i was a kid and couldn’t believe kids didn’t have homes. Approaching 40 no without kids i think about this more and more

[@bellarose1562]

My mom knew Dave Thomas, she and her flower company made flower arrangements for his office. My moms says he was very nice and kind ^_^

[@colerieger7300]

Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy's is one of the funnest games you can play.

[@gracekim25]

Yay Wendy’s lore! (note: being British, i have never tried Wendy's)

[@Fortaz107]

All these fast food places grew in popularity because of the quality they offered for the price. Then when the founders die, new management comes in and tries to milk every cent they can out of their customers letting quality suffer.

[@parallelburrito]

I always wonder what the original food tasted like. I bet it was much better than now.

[@JasmynSundayrose]

I remember when that commercial first came out, "Where's the beef?". It was reported that Madonna didn't like that saying.

[@indigotidebeeblebrox9978]

Used to be the best. What would Dave say if he knew they now precook the patties and store them in trays like the other place.

[@jonsmith6496]

Hell yeah it’s the dude again!

[@The105ODST]

I like how they put Colonel Sanders as famed pugilist at 4:16 instead of fried chicken salesman.

[@itchyisvegeta]

Wendy's food was always solid when I went there. Its the only fast food where the burger tastes like something from home or a good diner. Also, major props for any place where I can get an alternative to fries.

[@druklimack2111]

I miss the old bacon mushroom melt, the way it used to be

[@mattl9070]

It's a real shame that till this day Wendy's is still unknown in Australia.... Bring it on!

[@gingeta5961]

I truly love the baconator, their nuggets and the strawberry frosty 😋

[@Grymgar]

I can't wait for the episode on Culver's if it doesn't exist already. What a story that family has had, and Craig Culver really leans on that "cult of personality" vibe too.

[@markfigueroa1681]

He has such a great story

[@papps44]

I remember many years ago we had Wendy's in Ireland and the UK and I used to like the food. But they upped the sticks and left. I spent two summers in America in the late nineties so got to experience their food again which was great. They are supposed to be setting up again in the UK but I have not seen a restaurant yet.

[@jpadilla5484]

I’m enjoying a Dave’s Double as we speak with a damn frosty. Shout out Dave!

[@jaimesmith2266]

I absolutely love Wendy's always have and will that Dave's double be getting me together especially the triple burger lol.

[@brandonpage7087]

Today's youth is largely unfamiliar with Dave Thomas, but my generation remembers him well, as he was always on our TVs. After watching this video, I can see that he was a good, wholesome, man, & I had no idea that he had ever worked for Colonel Sanders. How awesome is that??? I learned something new today, that Wendy is actually named Melinda. Lol, but Melinda's just doesn't roll off the tongue well! I also had a bit of a Mandela effect moment, as I seem remember hearing about Dave's passing in the late '90s, but apparently, I was wrong, & he passed away in 2002. Boy that Mandela effect is one heck of a mind fuck!!

[@gerryzoleta53]

Great content man. Thanks a lot.👍

[@JustinSable]

Lol, I love the credit to Col. Sanders as "Famed Pugilist"

[@peacesearcher4598]

Research Wendy's the founder Dave Thomas was a Genius on consumer psychology. He invented the double burger by naming it medium burger and the two window drive thru. By doing this it allowed his kitchen staff to keep up with demand while keeping the line moving. Genius

[@kandipiatkowski8589]

Wendy's was my first job in high school.....and the start of my love for French fries dipped in a delicious chocolate (the ONLY flavor....despite the new vanilla offering) frosty!!! I am not a monster......lol. Ironically, but probably more coincidentally, I am also the same age as the chain.

[@gillyazie55]

The Dave’s triple is like Kryptonite ❤

[@jaredhuang2225]

Good vid, most of the Wendy's Ive been to have been very good, its almost the Chick-Fil-A of hamburgers in that the employees are great and the restaurant is clean.

[@travisneston9648]

In college we had to write CEOs letters for class. I sent one to Davd Thomas and he sent me Christmas cards and free Wendy's coupons for 7 years until he passed

[@sugarplum5824]

I thought Wendy's salad bar was great and was sad to see it go. Their chili is still awesome on a cold day.

[@Klaus80804]

I hope so much that Wendy's will come back to Germany one day. In the 80s there were 4 Wendy's restaurants in my hometown of Munich and I loved them. But because a Dutchman now has the rights to the Wendy's name, the real Wendy's cannot come back to all EU countries (they went to England after Brexit). Whenever I travel to the US, a visit to a Wendy's is my first stop. But it would be nice to be able to do that at home in Germany too.

[@abbyginge03]

fun fact: COSIs inital location was across the street from Wendy's first location and advertised them on their map when Wendy's opened!