Who owned Judy's Hamburger chain?

Answer 1

Though many tout Wendy's Dave Thomas as the founder of the idea - history argues from a different view point. According to local lore while Dave Thomas was managing/ owning 3 (or 4) places to eat that were failing; he turned them into KFC's.

While there, during the age of McDonald's & Burger war's - a guy working with him came up with a plan to market hamburger's - without having to freeze the meat. But this guy was penny wise and pound foolish. He made a deal with Dave Thomas that gave the lion share of all future locations to Dave.

Upon seeing the success of the Wendy's chain and knowing that it was originally named Judy's (after a real name - instead of the later "adapted" story of where "Wendy's" came from) - regret & greed set in for winding up with the short end of the stick.

Providing substantial proof it was his original idea and not telling the whole story to investors - Nashville's General Care Corp started doing a deal for Judy's locations and franchises.

Wendy's & Judy's looked exactly the same and sold the same menu items. Except that Wendy's was red and Judy's was blue. On West End Blvd by Vanderbilt - they were actually not far from each other. Even Pizza Hut & Pizza Inn were across the street from each other there (must be a Nashville thingy).

However, General Care Corp, a Nashville entity with power there - did not have the ability to influence the federal courts on the "real" contract dealings Dave Thomas made. It appears to be a matter of fact that Dave Thomas bought and owned the entire Wendy's way of doing business.

Resultantly, General Care Corp (who knew problems were coming and tried to sell the problems to someone else) - as well as all the Judy's locations - were ordered to be closed and stop infringing upon Wendy's. Purportedly, $10 million was lost and to be paid to Wendy's.

Many a young business man or women have great ideas. The problem is, we always seem to have the immature need of vindication by others. As a result, loose lips sink ships and a deal here gave away the house.

Moral is - if you have a good idea - don't seek permission to make it happen.

Answer 2

I know there were three Judy's Homestyle Hamburgers & Fixin's in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and one in Marion, Iowa. Not aware if there were more or not.

Answer 3

a lack of original product and marketing combined with legal challenges from Wendy's eventually lead to their demise.