Dave Thomas (businessman)

Dave Thomas
Thomas in 1998
Born
Rex David Thomas

(1932-07-02)July 2, 1932
DiedJanuary 8, 2002(2002-01-08) (aged 69)
Burial placeUnion Cemetery
Columbus, Ohio, U.S
Occupations
  • Businessman
  • philanthropist
Years active1953–2002
Known forFounder of Wendy's
SpouseLorraine
Children5, including Wendy

Rex David Thomas (July 2, 1932 January 8, 2002) was an American businessman, philanthropist, and fast-food tycoon who was the founder and chief executive officer of Wendy's, a fast-food restaurant chain specializing in hamburgers. In this role, Thomas appeared in more than 800 commercial advertisements for the chain from 1989 to 2002, more than any other company founder in television history.