- Founder of Wendy's. Has been featured in many TV commercials.
- Is adopted.
- Named the restaurant chain after his 8-year-old daughter, who was nicknamed Wendy by her siblings (her actual name was Melinda Lou).
- Final resting place is in Union Cemetary in Columbus, Ohio.
- In 1979, Thomas' rags-to-riches story earned him the Horatio Alger Award from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.
- The founder of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
- Began his career as a district manager for the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise chain. He eventually left to start Wendy's. On the death of "Colonel" Harland Sanders, Kentucky Fried Chicken's founder and a mentor of his, Dave Thomas ordered that all flags at Wendy's franchises be flown at half-staff.
- His ad campaign is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Longest Running Television Advertising Campaign Starring a Company Founder."
- Was the first to successfully use drive-up windows at his restaurants but did not invent them.
- Held the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel.
- Was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon national fraternity (North Carolina Gamma chapter - Duke University.)
- The 'date of death' shows Jan 8 2002, but in the 'Biography' it shows 'He died of liver cancer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2001'.
- Is in the Guiness Book of World Records for the owner staring in the most commercials.
- Went back to high school to earn his diploma in 1993 so as not to encourage teens that they did not need to finish school to be successful.
- Named the Wendy's chain after his daughter Melinda Thomas, nicknamed Wendy. In 2011 Melinda Thomas renamed Wendy's new signature sandwiches after Dave as a return of favor.
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