Dave Thomas opened the first Wendy's restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969.
Thomas named the chain after his daughter Melinda Lou Thomas, whose childhood nickname was Wendy. The first restaurant opened on Broad Street in Columbus and introduced the square hamburger patties and fresh, made-to-order positioning that became associated with the brand.
Before founding Wendy's, Thomas had worked in restaurant operations and had been involved with the early Kentucky Fried Chicken business. That experience influenced his approach to standardized preparation and franchising.
The first Wendy's location later closed, but the Columbus connection remains central to the company's history. The chain expanded through franchised restaurants and became especially known for square burgers, baked potatoes, chili, and the Frosty dessert. The restaurant's name refers to a person, not a place or a food item.