A fixture in downtown Columbus, Ohio for 37 years, the first ever Wendy's Restaurant closed Friday. An AP story byAndrew-Welsh Huggins reported that the store was a victim of a downtown location with poor parking and no life after five o'clock. The relocation of the city science museum from across the street was the final blow.
According to AP, "Wendy's restored the restaurant in 1994 to its original fixtures, including multicolored Tiffany glass lamps, hanging plastic beads and tables with old-fashioned newspaper laminate surfaces. 
The company plans to move the memorabilia to corporate headquarters in the suburb of Dublin."
Apparently, old photos, the blue striped dress sewn by her mother for founder Dave Thomas' daughter Wendy after whom he named the store, and other offbeat food historic gems, are part of the collection.
I wonder when I will be able to see those memorabilia… This has been one of our family’s favorite fast food restaurants. It’s wonderful that they didn’t even think of closing… That would be a complete “oh-no” for many. It’s no wonder that some of our entrepreneurs think that franchising this restaurant is one of a kind opportunity because of how well-established it is.
Posted by: Joseph Carr | April 30, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Says you I'm glad the old geezer kicked the bucket so now we have more fast pace commercial
Posted by: Somestupidname Fajitaroll | September 25, 2007 at 01:02 PM
Geezer Dude--yes, indeedy--we always liked Dave in his laid back commercials.
Posted by: Foodie | June 07, 2007 at 09:44 AM
I ran across the comments about Wendy's and Dave Thomas. Whether they like the food or not, many people admire Dave Thomas for being a self-made success story.
One of the reasons he donated so much to adoption-related organizations was because he was adopted when he was a child.
After he had already made a name for himself and achieved a high level of success, he went back and got his high school diploma a few years before his death.
Thanks for letting me add a few quick comments.
Posted by: Gordon (aka Geezer Dude) | June 05, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Actually, in my pre-vegetarian days, Wendy's had the healthiest and most veg-friendly menu. Many of their restaurants had huge "salad" bars, with different pastas and sauces, tacos and fillings, etc. While making the long drive between Ohio and La., we'd always aim for Wendy's when forced to stop.
Posted by: KathyF | March 12, 2007 at 01:01 AM
Jim Ellison of CMH Gourmand sent along this link to his blog and further info re the Wendy's closure. Thanks, Jim!
http://cmhgourmand.wordpress.com/2007/03/06/the-original-wendys-closed-on-march-2nd-wheres-the-grief/
Posted by: foodie | March 07, 2007 at 12:32 PM
No, I cannot believe it..what did you order? I once, and only once, took the Foodie offspring to a McD's with a humungous playground and sat and watched him while making my iced tea last....
Posted by: foodie | March 04, 2007 at 02:06 PM
I have been there, believe it or not. COSI used to be a regular venture for the Flake children.
Posted by: KathyF | March 04, 2007 at 04:07 AM