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Dave
Thomas: In Memoriam
July 2, 1932 -- January 8, 2002 Here at the Site O' Stuff, we were shocked to find out that Wendy's founder, senior chairman, and spokesperson Dave Thomas had passed away in his Tampa home due to liver problems on Monday the 8th of January. We decided that we needed to send off Dave officially. We needed closure. So here, we present to you, a loving tribute to Dave Thomas. Indigo Retina Needless to say, the loss of Dave Thomas was a shock. Sure, he was old (69, by my numbers). OK, maybe he had liver problems. But that never showed. He always had the image of a jovial, friendly hamburger cook with a heart of gold. And what worse a way to start off your Tuesday than find out that an American hamburger icon has passed away. I do not say that to make fun, merely to state facts. Dave was a cultural icon, a household name, and an inspiration. His story resembles the American dream in so many ways, it's scary. Born in Atlantic City during the Great Depression, he went from rags to riches after several lucrative stock deals, and after creating his own restaurant chain: Wendy's. Known for its good food, its good service, and its diverse menu, Wendy's opened stores left and right. Dave dreamed of a Wendy's on every corner, but not because he wanted tons of money and lots of golf clubs (he loved golf, by the way.) He did it because he dreamed of an alternative to McDonalds, and Burger King, and Jack in the Box (although, I don't think he ever really worried about the vast Jack in the Box empire). He wanted people to go for fast food because it was something good, not just because it was fast. So, Dave Thomas, wherever you are, I salute you. You knew what you wanted, and in the process of getting it you provided America with high-quality fast food at reasonable prices.Oddly enough, Dave Thomas meant a lot to me. Normally I wouldn't idolize an elderly man who was always pushing fast food on me, but there was something that was indescribably appealing about this one. He was born an orphan, but somehow managed to create a fast food corporation worth nearly $8 billion dollars. Like most business prodigies, he was slightly eccentric. I don't think I'll ever understand why Wendys' burgers are square, but a small part in me really doesn't want to know. Square burgers are just another piece in the puzzle of the mystery of Dave Thomas. Dave Thomas gave an identity to the company he created and maintained that identity up until his tragic demise. He has appeared in over 800 commercials for Wendys, and is primarily responsible for the success of the restaurant chain. He gave his customers someone they could relate to: a jolly, cheerful kindly old man offering tasty meals at a reasonable price. Unlike Ronald McDonald, he was a real person who gave his heart and soul to his profession. Ronald McDonald isn't even real and the androgynous clown image he presents alienates some customers. Don't get me started on the reclusive and mysterious Burger King, who rarely descends from his mountaintop castle to inspect his vast burger-producing empire. Dave Thomas was real, and communicated a loving grandfather figure image that gave millions of Americans hope for quality in the fast food industry. So, Dave Thomas thanks for all the meals and memories you've provided over the years. Here's hoping that you're up there having lunch at the big Wendys in the sky.Dave Thomas, we hardly knew ye. In a world where McDonald's spokesman is a clown, and the closest thing that Burger King has is a bunch of Burger Kids (including VidKid, and J.D., and Wheels, etc.), you were a shining light to the fast food community. You showed that not only clowns and kids ate burgers. You were the common man who ate burgers. You seemed like the burger gobbling uncle that we all wished that we had. I remember wondering when I was a kid, sitting in a Wendy's wondering why the burgers were square. I did not have to look far to see your smiling face on the wall saying, "They're square because at Wendy's, we don't cut corners." I remember in the late 80's, when I was just old enough to understand commercials, seeing you explain how Wendy's didn't cook it's burgers on an assembly line. You were there to show how every Wendy's burger is handmade, just like you used to make 'em. I remember when Wendy's started serving chili, and seeing you in a big parka eating it. I could tell, you enjoyed it too. You weren't hiding under a painted face that made it look like you were always smiling. You didn't need to, because you actually were always smiling. I can't ever remember a moment of a Wendy's commercial where you weren't friendly, funny, cordial and jolly. You, sir, were a man among men. I hope that you're somewhere enjoying life as much as I do when I have a Wendy's burger in my hands. Godspeed, Dave. Second to the right, and straight on 'til morning.
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