Wendy was the nickname of one of three children born to Dave and Lorraine Thomas.

The couple met when they were both working at a Hobby House restaurant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dave Thomas was then 15 years old and living on his own. He was an orphan and grew up in boarding houses. Now he was living at the YMCA, and working in the restaurant's kitchen. Lorraine was a waitress.

Thomas, who never finished high school, worked in a series of restaurants, including a stint as a Kentucky Fried Chicken manager. Then, in 1969, Dave Thomas decided to take a shot at his own fast food chain. On November 15, 1969, he opened his first restaurant in downtown Columbus, Ohio. He named it for his third daughter, Wendy.

Today there are more than 4,800 Wendy's restaurants in the United States. Dave Thomas has become a national celebrity by appearing in television commercials.

At the age of 60, he finally earned his high school diploma. After studying with a tutor for three months, he passed the General Education Degree test and attended the graduation ceremonies at Coconut Creek High School in Florida. He wore a cap and gown, took his wife of 45 years to the senior prom, and was voted Most Likely to Succeed.