Verne Winchell
Verne Winchell | |
---|---|
Born | October 30, 1915 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
Education | Pasadena City College |
Occupation(s) | Businessman Racehorse owner/breeder |
Known for | Founder of Winchell's Donuts |
Spouse | Joan |
Children | 4 |
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.
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]
Thoroughbred breeder
Winchell was also a successful
Death
Winchell died of a
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
In 2019, Ron Winchell partnered with Marc Falcone through their company Kentucky Racing Association and purchased Kentucky Downs.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Smith, Hubble (November 28, 2002). "Founder of doughnut shop chain dies". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 19, 2005.
- ^ a b Bloodhorse Staff (12 March 2019). "Winchell, Falcone Take Ownership of Kentucky Downs Partners bought track and casino through their company Kentucky Racing Acquisition". Bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ "Deaths". Las Vegas Review-Journal. November 28, 2002. Archived from the original on September 27, 2005.