Denny Lynch releases book on Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas

Former Wendy’s communications executive Denny Lynch has released a debut book about company founder Dave Thomas, with all author proceeds going to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The book adds new personal stories about Thomas’s life, Wendy’s rise, and the adoption charity he built in 1992.

Why it matters: - The book ties a corporate legacy story to a direct charitable benefit, with all author proceeds supporting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. - The release adds fresh firsthand reporting on Dave Thomas, whose influence still spans Wendy’s and one of the best-known adoption charities in the U.S.

What happened: - Former Wendy’s senior vice president of communications Denny Lynch has released his debut book, Call Me Dave, through Koehler Books. - Lynch is also a board member of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. - The book is out now. - Lynch says the book is a tribute to Dave Thomas, Wendy’s founder and the inspiration for the chain’s famous commercials. - The book includes a foreword by Wendy Thomas, Dave Thomas’s daughter and the inspiration behind the Wendy’s logo.

The details: - Call Me Dave follows Dave Thomas’s path from a childhood marked by loneliness, neglect and abuse to his dream of owning a hamburger stand. - That business grew into more than 6,000 Wendy’s restaurants worldwide. - Lynch says the book includes never-before-shared stories from years of traveling with Thomas and remaining one of his closest friends. - The book also covers the creation of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. - The foundation raises awareness, supports families and advocates for changes in the adoption process. - Thomas, who was adopted, felt a responsibility to children still in need of homes. - Lynch helped shape the foundation’s mission for two decades as a founder and former chairman. - Lynch writes that Thomas left two legacies: Wendy’s restaurants worldwide and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. - More information about events or the author is available at dennylynchauthor.com.

Between the lines: - The book is designed to do more than recount a business success story. - It positions Thomas as both a fast-food icon and a long-term force in adoption advocacy. - Lynch’s personal connection to Thomas gives the project a more intimate tone than a standard corporate biography.

What's next: - Sales of Call Me Dave will continue to generate proceeds for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. - Lynch is promoting the book as an author and through related events. - The foundation stands to benefit financially and publicly as the book reaches Wendy’s and adoption-focused audiences.