Dave Thomas (Businessman) Biography, Wife, Kids and Net Worth: Everything You Need to Know

There are many people who have etched their names in the annals of history and Dave Thomas just happens to be one of them. The American business mogul isn’t just a successful businessman; he is also among the best CEOs the world has ever known. Although he is no more, Dave’s legacy has continued to live on through his businesses. Amazingly, he was the founder and owner of the famous fast food chain called Wendy’s Restaurants. Before his death, the business guru had 6,000 Wendy’s restaurants operating in America and beyond. Moreover, Dave was also a philanthropist and he created several foundations which defend different charitable causes. Read on, as we bring you his biography and everything you need to know about the successful businessman below.

Dave Thomas Bio: Everything You Need to Know

Dave Rex Thomas came into this world on the 2nd day of July 1932 and was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. Shortly after his birth, he was given up for adoption by his mother whom he never knew. Amazingly, Auleva and her husband Rex Thomas adopted him when he was six weeks old. He lost his adoptive mother at the age of five and was raised by his grandmother, Minnie Sinclair. While growing up, life was so hard for Thomas back then. He spent his childhood days near Kalamazoo, Michigan and also did different types of jobs in order to earn a living.

When he was fifteen, Dave dropped out of high school after starting work at the Hobby House restaurant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Thereafter, he considered dropping out of school as his biggest mistake in life; Dave did, however, earn his General Education Development Certificate in 1993. In order to enlighten others not to follow the same path he did, he also started a foundation that offers GED courses for young adults and s is called Dave Thomas Education Center.

He served in the army for three years from 1950 to 1953. While there he was a chef responsible for feeding over two thousand soldiers at the time.

Business career

Shortly after completing his military service in 1953, Dave returned to Fort Wayne where he got a job as a chef at the Hobby House restaurant. Later, Kentucky Fried Chicken owner Colonel Harland Sanders sold the KFC franchise to them. Following this, Dave undertook several projects with Sanders and helped him improve the quality of his products. After a few years, he was sent to help revive four KFC stores that were about to close. The talented chef was successful in his quest, and in 1968 he helped boost sales at all four Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants. He also served as Kentucky regional manager until 1969.

After moving to Kentucky, Dave founded Wendy’s Restaurant in November 1969 and the first store was opened in Columbus, Ohio. The restaurant specializes in burgers and has been in operation for over five decades. To date, Dave has sold over six thousand Wendy’s Hamburger Restaurant franchises in the United States. Additionally, he appeared in over eight hundred advertisements for Wendy’s during his lifetime. Her hard work has paid off and Wendy’s Hamburger restaurant is among the best restaurants in the United States and beyond.

Net Worth: How Much Was He Worth?

Despite a rocky start, Dave Thomas overcame his struggles and achieved incredible success in his endeavors. He has created thousands of Wendy’s Restaurants in the United States. At the time of his death, Dave was an extremely wealthy man. He has earned a fortune through his businesses and his net worth has been pegged at $100 million. He derived his wealth from his fast food business and other pursuits.

Also Read: Butch Hartman Biography, Net Worth, Controversy and Everything You Need to Know

Wife and children of Dave Thomas

The business tycoon had an interesting life during his lifetime. He was a happily married man with five children. He became attached to his lover and the love of his life named Lorraine Thomas. The couple met several years ago and after a fruitful relationship, they married in 1955. After their marriage, they had five adorable children, four daughters – Melinda, Molly, Pam and Lori, as well as a son named Kenny Thomas. Sadly, her son Kenny kicked the bucket in 2013. The amazing couple were married for forty-seven years before Dave’s sudden disappearance in 2002.

Just like Dave, all of his children are equally successful in life. They are actively involved in their father’s business and currently own several Wendy’s restaurant locations in the United States. In honor of his daughters, Dave started Sisters Chicken and Cookies in 1978. Amazingly, his four daughters have done their best to keep their father’s legacy alive through his business.

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