Restaurants

Wendy’s Corporate Office

Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, loved the KewPee Burgers so much, he decided to make a similar restaurant chain.

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers was founded in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio. Thomas named the restaurant after his fourth child, Melinda Lou “Wendy” Thomas. The chain features square hamburger patties and Frosties, which are milkshakes thickened with starch. Thomas liked the idea of square burgers that stuck out from the bun. He believed customers would be impressed with the quality of the meat they could see.

In 1970, Thomas opened a second location in Columbus. This location would add the first modern drive-thru window in 1971 that used speakers, rather than waitress on rollerskates.

In 1972, the first franchise is sold.

By 1976, there are 500 restaurants and the company goes public on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol: WEN.

In 1978, the 1000th location opens.

In 1979, Wendy’s was the first chain to introduce a salad bar.

By 1983, there are 2500 locations.

In 1985, the company merges with Tim Hortons.

By 1987, there are 5000 locations.

In 2002, founder Dave Thomas dies.

In 2006, the company headquarters is moved to Dublin, Ohio, where they remain today.

In 2008, the company merged with Triac, owner of Arby’s.

In 2011, the company sold its majority share of Arby’s to the Roark Capital Group due to lackluster sales. The company continues to hold an 18.5% interest in Arby’s.

In 2014, the company decided to close all locations in Russia and begin doing business in India instead, with the first restaurant in Gurgaon.

On May 26, 2016, the company announced that Todd Penegor would replace Emil Brolick as CEO and President. Gunther Plosch will succeed Penegor as CFO.

In July 2016, Wendy’s warned customers that their computer system had been hacked and that customers’ debit card and credit card information was stolen from approximately 1,025 of their restaurants located in the US.

The company is beta-testing a meatless burger made from black beans in an attempt to lure in vegan and vegetarian customers.

In January 2018, the company announced the opening of its 500th international location in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Due to the coronavirus and subsequent quarantine, the parent company of Wendy’s filed for bankruptcy July 1, 2020.

Flynn’s Restaurant Group acquired Wendy’s in March 2021.

In December 2022, Wendy’s stated that it would do a corporate “overhaul” with possible job cuts.

Today, Wendy’s is the third largest hamburger fast food chain in the world with nearly 7000 restaurants worldwide.

Wendy's

Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, loved the KewPee Burgers so much, he decided to make a similar restaurant chain.

History

In 1970, Thomas opened a second location in Columbus. This location would add the first modern drive-thru window in 1971 that used speakers, rather than waitress on rollerskates.

In 1972, the first franchise is sold.

By 1976, there are 500 restaurants and the company goes public on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol: WEN.

In 1978, the 1000th location opens.

In 1979, Wendy’s was the first chain to introduce a salad bar.

By 1983, there are 2500 locations.

In 1985, the company merges with Tim Hortons.

By 1987, there are 5000 locations.

In 2002, founder Dave Thomas dies.

In 2006, the company headquarters is moved to Dublin, Ohio, where they remain today.

In 2008, the company merged with Triac, owner of Arby’s.

In 2011, the company sold its majority share of Arby’s to the Roark Capital Group due to lackluster sales. The company continues to hold an 18.5% interest in Arby’s.

In 2014, the company decided to close all locations in Russia and begin doing business in India instead, with the first restaurant in Gurgaon.

On May 26, 2016, the company announced that Todd Penegor would replace Emil Brolick as CEO and President. Gunther Plosch will succeed Penegor as CFO.

The company is beta-testing a meatless burger made from black beans in an attempt to lure in vegan and vegetarian customers.

In January 2018, the company announced the opening of its 500th international location in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Due to the coronavirus and subsequent quarantine, the parent company of Wendy’s filed for bankruptcy July 1, 2020.

Flynn’s Restaurant Group acquired Wendy’s in March 2021.

In December 2022, Wendy’s stated that it would do a corporate “overhaul” with possible job cuts.

Today, Wendy’s is the third largest hamburger fast food chain in the world with nearly 7000 restaurants worldwide.

Quiznos Corporate Office

Quiznos began in 1978 as Sandwich World when Terrell Braly and a group of investors converted a closed gas stations in Denver, Colorado to a sandwich shop.

In 1980, the store was purchased by competitors Jimmy Lambatos and Todd Disner. They changed the name to Quiznos and began to franchise.

In 1981, the first toasted sub was served.

In 1987, Rick Schaden opens a franchise in Boulder, CO. In 1991, Rick and his father, Dick, buy the entire company.

By 1995, there are 100 restaurants in the chain.

By 1997, Quiznos is the third largest sandwich chain.

In 1999, the first international location opens in Japan.

In 2002, Wendy’s acquired the rights to the brand in Australia and New Zealand. They were never able to make it profitable.

Today, Quiznos is the second largest sandwich chain in the world. There are nearly 4500 locations worldwide.

Quizno's

Quiznos began in 1978 as Sandwich World when Terrell Braly and a group of investors converted a closed gas stations in Denver, Colorado to a sandwich shop.

In 1980, the store was purchased by competitors Jimmy Lambatos and Todd Disner. They changed the name to Quiznos and began to franchise.

In 1981, the first toasted sub was served.

History

In 1987, Rick Schaden opens a franchise in Boulder, CO. In 1991, Rick and his father, Dick, buy the entire company.

By 1995, there are 100 restaurants in the chain.

By 1997, Quiznos is the third largest sandwich chain.

In 1999, the first international location opens in Japan.

In 2002, Wendy’s acquired the rights to the brand in Australia and New Zealand. They were never able to make it profitable.

Today, Quiznos is the second largest sandwich chain in the world. There are nearly 4500 locations worldwide.

Waffle House Corporate Office

Waffle House was founded in 1955 by Joe Rogers, Sr., and Tom Forkner. This pair of friends wanted to combine the speed of fast food but with the service of a restaurant. They also wanted food to be around the clock – meaning waffles for dinner was going to be OK!

The first restaurant was located in Avondale Estates, Georgia.

In 1957, a second restaurant is opened.

During the 1960s, the company opens 44 more restaurants and begins to franchise.

By the end of the 1970s, there are over 400 locations.

The 1000th location is opened in 1997.

By 2005, there are 1460 locations in 25 states.

In 2006, the company finally begins to accept credit cards, after being cash only.

In 2007, the company repurchased their original restaurant, which had most recently been a Chinese food location, and made it a museum.

In 2008, the Waffle House Museum opens at the site of the first restaurant. That same year, one of the largest franchises, North Lake Foods, was purchased by Waffle House, Inc. The company reestablished the franchise the following year.

Although the company is privately owned and does not disclose financial information, the company says that 2% of all eggs used in the food service industry are sold to Waffle House.

In 2012, CEO Joe Rogers, Jr, is accused of an inappropriate sexual relationship with his housekeeper. He is replaced as CEO by Walt Ehmer.

Today, Waffle House operates over 2100 restaurants in 25 US states. The company claims to be the world’s largest seller of several of its menu item, including the namesake waffles, ham, pork chops, grits, and T-bone steaks.

Almost every Waffle House has a jukebox and, starting back in 2008, began offering candlelit dinners for Valentine’s Day.

In July 2022, a long-time patron of Waffle House began giving out 5-dollar bills to everyone he saw in the restaurant until he had exhausted his $1300 stack of bills.

Also in July 2022, a waitress who worked at Waffle House was the sole winner of the $1.5 billion Powerball lottery.

In March 2023, one Louisiana Waffle House was accused of trying to dissuade customers from sitting down inside the restaurant by pouring syrup on the seats.

The company is considered one of the top 4 companies in the US that can be relied on during an emergency response situation, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Waffle House Index is an informal term used by FEMA to determine the severity of a storm and how much assistance might be required for citizens to recover.

Waffle House

The first restaurant was located in Avondale Estates, Georgia.

History

In 1957, a second restaurant is opened.

During the 1960s, the company opens 44 more restaurants and begins to franchise.

By the end of the 1970s, there are over 400 locations.

The 1000th location is opened in 1997.

By 2005, there are 1460 locations in 25 states.

In 2006, the company finally begins to accept credit cards, after being cash only.

In 2007, the company repurchased their original restaurant, which had most recently been a Chinese food location, and made it a museum.

Although the company is privately owned and does not disclose financial information, the company says that 2% of all eggs used in the food service industry are sold to Waffle House.

In 2012, CEO Joe Rogers, Jr, is accused of an inappropriate sexual relationship with his housekeeper. He is replaced as CEO by Walt Ehmer.

Almost every Waffle House has a jukebox and, starting back in 2008, began offering candlelit dinners for Valentine’s Day.

In July 2022, a long-time patron of Waffle House began giving out 5-dollar bills to everyone he saw in the restaurant until he had exhausted his $1300 stack of bills.

Also in July 2022, a waitress who worked at Waffle House was the sole winner of the $1.5 billion Powerball lottery.

In March 2023, one Louisiana Waffle House was accused of trying to dissuade customers from sitting down inside the restaurant by pouring syrup on the seats.

Popeyes Corporate Office

Popeyes was founded by Al Copeland in 1972 as Chicken on the Run. The first restaurant was located in Arabi, Louisiana. After initially losing money, Copeland changed the recipe to a spicier blend and re-opened the restaurant as Popeyes Mighty Good Fried Chicken. Copeland claims that the name he used did not come from Popeye the Sailor cartoon, but rather from the detective from the movie The French Connection, Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle.

The company has changed names several times, from the original Chicken on the Run to Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits to Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken and Biscuits to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, the last name being used since 2008.

By 1990, Copeland Enterprises was in default on more than $391 million. The company filed for bankruptcy. The courts approved a repayment program and the company emerged from bankruptcy in 1992.

The company is best known for its simple meal of fried chicken, a biscuit, and a package of honey, sold in a small basket.

In 1976, the first franchise location opened in Baton Rouge.

By 1986, there were 500 restaurants in the chain.

In 1989, Popeyes merged with Church’s Chicken under the AFC Enterprises umbrella company. AFC sold Church’s Chicken to Arcapita in 2004.

In 2008, founder Al Copeland died.

In early 2017, the company was acquired by Restaurant Brands International for $1.8 billion. The company now operates as a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands.

In early 2018, the company began to offer delivery service in limited areas due to high demand from customers.

In August 2019, the company introduced a new fried chicken sandwich. The product became a viral sensation with nearly all locations selling out quickly. One customer was so angry at his inability to obtain a sandwich that he sued the company of $5,000.

The CEO Jose Cil said that the company greatly underestimated the popularity of their new product and that he never expected it would “break the internet.”

Less than 1 month after being introduced, the company had to stop offering the sandwich due to demand but stated that they expected to reintroduce it next month when they reached new deals with suppliers.

Popeye’s Chicken began selling internationally in 2021, starting new locations in the UK.

Today, the company operates over 2600 restaurants in 40 US states and 22 countries worldwide. They are the second-largest chicken fast-food restaurant in the world, right behind KFC.

In September 2020, the company named Sami Siddiqui as its new CEO.

In October 2023, the company introduced yet another chicken sandwich, this time including a truffle-based sauce. The sandwich is called the Spicy Truff Sandwich and it isn’t getting rave reviews like the original spicy chicken sandwich introduced earlier.

Popeyes maintains a corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia.

Popeyes

History

By 1990, Copeland Enterprises was in default on more than $391 million. The company filed for bankruptcy. The courts approved a repayment program and the company emerged from bankruptcy in 1992.

The company is best known for its simple meal of fried chicken, a biscuit, and a package of honey, sold in a small basket.

In 1976, the first franchise location opened in Baton Rouge.

By 1986, there were 500 restaurants in the chain.

In 1989, Popeyes merged with Church’s Chicken under the AFC Enterprises umbrella company. AFC sold Church’s Chicken to Arcapita in 2004.

In 2008, founder Al Copeland died.

In early 2017, the company was acquired by Restaurant Brands International for $1.8 billion. The company now operates as a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands.

In early 2018, the company began to offer delivery service in limited areas due to high demand from customers.

The CEO Jose Cil said that the company greatly underestimated the popularity of their new product and that he never expected it would “break the internet.”

Popeye’s Chicken began selling internationally in 2021, starting new locations in the UK.

Today, the company operates over 2600 restaurants in 40 US states and 22 countries worldwide. They are the second-largest chicken fast-food restaurant in the world, right behind KFC.

In September 2020, the company named Sami Siddiqui as its new CEO.

Popeyes maintains a corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hooters Corporate Office

Hooters was founded in 1983 by 6 businessmen in Clearwater, Florida, Lynn Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste, Billy Ranieri, Ken Wimmer, and Dennis Johnson.

Waitresses at Hooters restaurants are primarily young women, usually referred to simply as “Hooters Girls”, whose revealing outfits and “hooters” are played up and are a primary component of the company’s image. The company employs men and women as cooks, hosts (at some franchises), busboys, and managers.

The menu includes hamburgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood entrees, appetizers, and the restaurant’s specialty, chicken wings. Almost all Hooters restaurants hold alcoholic beverage licenses to sell beer and wine, and where local permits allow, a full liquor bar. Hooters T-shirts, sweatshirts, and various souvenirs and curios are also sold

In 1984, Hugh Connerty bought the company. Connerty was, in turn, bought out by a group of Atlanta investors led by Robert Brooks. Brooks would purchase the majority stake in the company in 2002.

By 1991, there were 50 restaurants in the Atlanta area. By 1993, there were 100 locations.

In 2006, the Hooters Casino Hotel opens in Las Vegas. Robert Brooks dies in 2006 and leaves control of the company to his son, Coby Brooks.

In 2011, Terry Marks replaces Coby Brooks as CEO.

In 2013, the company announced plans to remodel every restaurant in the chain.

Today, there are 420 Hooters restaurants nationwide. About a quarter of them are company-owned and the rest are franchised.

The company is owned by Chanticleer Holdings, an investment firm. Chanticleer plans to do a reverse merger with Sonnet BioTherapies, Inc., in a statement dated October 10, 2019.

Due to the coronavirus, many Hooters were forced to close, but they are slowly reopening, including the Las Vegas Hooters.

Many local franchises band together to create calendars for sale that feature local waitresses in bikinis.

Hooters

Hooters was founded in 1983 by 6 businessmen in Clearwater, Florida, Lynn Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste, Billy Ranieri, Ken Wimmer, and Dennis Johnson.

History

In 1984, Hugh Connerty bought the company. Connerty was, in turn, bought out by a group of Atlanta investors led by Robert Brooks. Brooks would purchase the majority stake in the company in 2002.

By 1991, there were 50 restaurants in the Atlanta area. By 1993, there were 100 locations.

In 2006, the Hooters Casino Hotel opens in Las Vegas. Robert Brooks dies in 2006 and leaves control of the company to his son, Coby Brooks.

In 2011, Terry Marks replaces Coby Brooks as CEO.

In 2013, the company announced plans to remodel every restaurant in the chain.

Today, there are 420 Hooters restaurants nationwide. About a quarter of them are company-owned and the rest are franchised.

The company is owned by Chanticleer Holdings, an investment firm. Chanticleer plans to do a reverse merger with Sonnet BioTherapies, Inc., in a statement dated October 10, 2019.

Due to the coronavirus, many Hooters were forced to close, but they are slowly reopening, including the Las Vegas Hooters.

Many local franchises band together to create calendars for sale that feature local waitresses in bikinis.