What was the real name of the person Wendy’s was named after?
Melinda
Patricia
Rachel
Margaret
Fact: Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas had five children when the restaurant opened in 1969 and considered using each of their names before choosing the nickname of his daughter Melinda Thomas. Though her real name is Melinda, her siblings struggled to pronounce it and called her “Wenda,” which eventually became “Wendy.” Dave Thomas selected the name because he felt it sounded warm, and friendly. Years later, Wendy Thomas became a familiar face for the brand, appearing in television commercials and reinforcing its family-centered identity.
Correct Answer: Melinda