Verne Winchell

Verne Hedges Winchell (October 30, 1915 – November 26, 2002) was the founder of Winchell's Donuts and also served as a chairman, president, and chief executive officer of the Denny's restaurant chain.

Verne Winchell
BornOctober 30, 1915
Bloomington, Illinois, United States
DiedNovember 26, 2002 (age 87)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
EducationPasadena City College
OccupationBusinessman
Racehorse owner/breeder
Known forFounder of Winchell's Donuts
Spouse(s)Joan
Children4

Early life

Winchell was born on October 30, 1915, in Bloomington, Illinois. At the age of 9, Winchell and his family moved to California. Winchell graduated from Alhambra High School and later took business courses at Pasadena City College, where he decided on a business career.[1]

Career

In 1948 he opened his first doughnut shop in Temple City, California and earned the nickname "The Donut King".[1] Winchell's Donuts merged with Denny's Incorporated in 1967.[1] Winchell served as chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer of Denny's until 1980.[1] Winchell was also a successful horse breeder and owner.[1]

Death

Winchell died of a cardiac arrest in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 26, 2002, at the age of 87,[1][2] at Summerlin Hospital. Winchell had been a resident of Las Vegas for 30 years.[1]

Legacy

Ron Winchell, Verne Winchell's son, began a chain of restaurants in the Las Vegas area named "Winchell's Pub and Grill". The first restaurant opened in south Las Vegas in 2000. Ron Winchell later expanded the chain by opening two more restaurants in 2003, one in south Las Vegas and one in North Las Vegas. On July 18, 2008, Ron Winchell opened another restaurant in North Las Vegas and planned to open two more restaurants within a few months.

References
  1. Smith, Hubble (November 28, 2002). "Founder of doughnut shop chain dies". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 19, 2005.
  2. "Deaths". Las Vegas Review-Journal. November 28, 2002. Archived from the original on September 27, 2005.
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