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Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient R. David Thomas
R. David Thomas's hard work, business sense, and perseverance led him to create one of the world's largest restaurant chains. In memory of his grandmother's advice to "never cut corners," his restaurants, named after one of his daughters, became known for their square hamburger patties. A philanthropist, and having been adopted himself, Dave was a life-long advocate for adoption.
Adopted at six weeks by Rex and Auvela Thomas from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Joined U. S. Army at age 18; stationed in Frankfurt Germany, and was one of the youngest managers of an Enlisted Men's Club. After his employer became an early Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in 1956, Mr. Thomas worked closely with Colonel Sanders, instituting now-famous innovations and acquiring his own hugely successful Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in Columbus, Ohio from stores he ‘turned around.’ He later returned to KFC management, in charge of 300 stores. Opened first Wendy's Old Fashioned hamburgers restaurant November 15, 1969 in Columbus; began franchising the Wendy's concept in 1973. “My first love has always been hamburgers,” he states. His dedication to quality, efficiency, flexibility, development of managerial talent and customer relations sparked the growth of Wendy’s. Enthusiastic supporter of charities including: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis; Children's Hospital in Columbus; Recreation Unlimited; The Ohio State University Cancer Research Institute and the Children's Home Society of Florida. Established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992.
Dave Thomas 1932-2002
This is the way we all remember Dave Thomas
Visit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
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Medal History
