Dave鈥檚 passion to succeed 鈥 the right way 鈥 drove Wendy鈥檚 growth. He felt good knowing his love of hamburgers created jobs for other people and gave them the opportunity to make their own dreams come true. That was Dave鈥檚 way. He asked from others no more than he demanded of himself 鈥 the best they could give. 鈥淭he first two letters of Wendy鈥檚 are WE,鈥 he鈥檇 say. Today, Dave鈥檚 way is the Wendy鈥檚 Way.
He was much more to the thousands who mourned his passing in January 2002. People who worked with Dave for charitable causes, Wendy鈥檚 employees who lost their company founder, and customers who saw only his welcoming face on their television sets were left with wonderful memories of a man who was loved by all. America paid tribute to Dave, not just as Wendy鈥檚 founder, but also as a humanitarian. Members of Congress cited his impact on adoption legislation and restaurateurs spoke of his pioneering spirit. Customers called to say they would miss Dave鈥檚 endearing smile. Parents and children touched by adoption wrote to express their thanks. 鈥淗e was truly one of the nice guys,鈥 they said. No doubt Dave, the humble giant of the restaurant industry, is busy at the big restaurant in the sky teaching the angels how to do a proper four-corner press.