Wendy's history from square patties to Baconator
Wendy's, the third largest burger company, has been serving square-shaped burgers since 1969.
Start over
Dave Thomas, a simple man with a vision, founded Wendy's. Thomas worked as a chef at Fort Wayne's Hobby House restaurant and family-owned KFC franchises.
Secrete about Name?
Dave named his fast-food restaurant after his daughter Wendy. Wendy Thomas recalls the moment her father told her he was starting Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers.
Beginning of Wendy
The first Wendy's was inspired by Dave Thomas's fondness of Kewpee Hamburgers. The first Wendy's opened in Columbus, Ohio, on 15 November 1969 at 257 East Broad Street.
Wendy's never "cheats."
Wendy's hallmark is square beef patties that spill from a pillowy white bread. Frosty®, a frozen chocolate ice-cream delight, was a popular Wendy's dessert.
Early drive-through
Wendy's became famous in the 1970s. Wendy's opened the first modern drive-through in November 1970.
Wendy's television commercial
In the late 1970s, Dave Thomas decided to use Wendy's marketing budget seriously. Wendy's "hot & juicy" hamburgers debuted on TV.
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